2011 has come. and with or without diligent investment and action in the ensuing twelve months, we will look behind us and question what has happened and what we have accomplished. for the masses, it will be utterly wasted. maybe these are not the thoughts running through their minds as they live day to day, but in retrospect, how valuable are the accomplishments of life that they will boast of by december? [here's another question--how different will our character look?] i've used this analogy before (and to be fair, i didn't originate it), but as fish in a stream, we have 2 choices. we can swim [or float] downstream, riding the current with the majority of those around us. we can voluntarily or involuntarily pursue the things of pleasure, of fun or excitement...the things that will quietly tear us away from God. or we can choose to battle the current and go upstream, where we will undoubtedly get water up our nose, face a colder temperature, and at times swim solo.
my life right now is so full of unknowns. i'm sure the Lord has many surprises planned, and as i head into the new year, i can't help but wonder what He will teach me, what new lessons i will learn, and what steps He will clarify for my faith-lacking feet. one thing i desire in these months, however--that He will build my understanding of Himself, my faith, and my obedience to His words...and then knock me down again to my knees. too many times i become prideful, self-absorbed, and one not characterized by holiness. oh how i long for this to change! though i know not what plans God has made for 2011, i can walk each day by faith and not by sight. and He knows my heart--he knows that i so desperately long to grow in righteousness!
a wise man once said, "anyone who God uses greatly, He will break significantly." oh loving Lord, increase my grasp of the process of sanctification. deepen my yearning to spend time with You. strengthen my mind with truth, and teach me how to apply Your treasures in the every-day realm of life.
and after you have built me up in You, break my dreams and my shallow understanding, sweet Jesus. let my desires for life be crushed so that Yours will prevail. use me only to show the world that i refuse to live for myself, for the pleasures of life, but instead that i will fight--yes, fight--for Your name to be higher than my own. i don't want even one day to pass this year in which i lazily choose to gratify my fleshly, selfish comfort.
yes...2011 has come indeed. and by God's grace, i'm ready for it.
H
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