“In the beginning God”, don’t you love that statement?
Today is “in the beginning” of 2008. A new year holds so many promises, so much excitement. I must say that I never really paid much attention to the prospects of a new year, that is until I got serious about my Savior.
I was saved at the tender age of 7 but I got serious about my Savior about 10 years ago. It has been in these 10 years that God has loved me through the failures and pains of the past so that now when I open my new calendar I can embrace the future with great anticipation of what the Lord will do in and through my life.
God always has work to do in my life and He challenges me each year with a specific verse from His Word in which He wants us to focus on. I never have to worry about not hearing from Him about the verse, He announces it to me in great style. This year’s verse came in the early morning hours in the latter part of December. It is a verse that I was familiar with and you will be, too. I will say I was surprised by His choice.
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 (NLT)
I must admit, I have always loved this verse. I love things working out for my good. It is the “Big I” in me. (I am referring to Louie’s writing.) As I read this verse and felt the confirmation in my spirit I felt the Spirit say, “Do you love me, Wendy? That is the key to this verse. I want you to love me in 2008 even if things don’t
seem to be working out at them time.”
Man, that is tough. Right to the heart, do you love me? I do love Him but loving Him means obeying Him without delay or question. Loving Him means continuing my commitment to my quiet time even if I am too tired. Loving Him means surrendering my plans for my life and the lives of those I love the most. Loving Him means accepting those plans even when they don’t make sense or my require the fellowship of suffering on my part. Yes, loving Him is easy to do with words but can be most challenging in deeds. But loving Him with deeds is what builds our faith, our faith is refined and worth far more than gold to our Savior.
My deepest desire is to present Him “golden faith” at the close of 2008.
May our faithful Lord and Savior richly bless you in 2008.
For His Renown
