Habakkuk 3:17-19 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains (NLT).
Looking back over this year, I could be tempted to get down about things that aren't what I wish they were, namely relationships with family and loved ones. I could be tempted to feel sorry for myself over certain disappointments in my life.
But, it's not going to happen. My new end-of-year attitude all started when God spoke up. "Have you considered how these people and situations are my best gift to you?"
HUH? What is He talking about, I wondered?
Then God began to show me how much I have grown through these tough times and relationships—how much I have learned about Him because these places of sorrow and loss have driven me deeper into Him in ways I never imagined possible. I know Him so much better now, and I feel His love for me more than ever. And I realized if none of these losses of dreams and heartaches had happened into my life, I would not be the person I am today, and I would not know all of the many things I now know about my Most High God.
He is my comforter. He is my Peace. He is my faithful Friend. He is my steady Companion. He is my Protector and Provider. He is my loving Father. He is my sovereign Guide. He is my Knight in Shining Armor. He is my reason for living. He is my everything.
Yes, now that I think about it, all of the disappointments brought on by people and life have actually been my greatest teachers and my most treasured gifts. I can truly say that I have become thankful for them this year. I have no reason to feel sorry for myself. In fact, I feel like celebrating!! Will you join me?
Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us – they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love (NLT).