The Journey Ahead
By Jackie Whipple
When we accept Christ as our Savior, we are adopted into God’s family. Only we as His children can call Him Abba Father. He knows us personally by name. Our strengths and weaknesses. Desires of our hearts. And yet He still loves us. Our God always provides. All that happens in our lives He knows and directs. Our lives aren’t perfect. We have bumps and changes.
During difficult times He is with us. (1 Cor 10:13 – No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able. But with the temptation, he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to bear it.
Elisabeth Elliot -” If you dwell on your own feelings about things rather than dwelling on the faithfulness, the love, and the mercy of God, then you’re likely to have a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Our feelings are very fleeting and ephemeral, aren’t they? We can’t depend on them for five minutes at a time. But dwelling on the love, faithfulness, and mercy of God is always safe.”
So, looking back at 2021, are there things you wish you could do over? We all do. Whether it’s related to family, friendships, or work. We learn from our mistakes or remember how well we handled something and seek to do it again. We can’t drag previous years’ actions (good, bad, ugly) into 2022, but we can ask God for forgiveness and direction. Don’t let bitterness & regret take over. When we trust in Christ, Bible scriptures & prayer, these things change our focus. Not what can I get out of life, but how can I serve & honor God, family, & others.
As we shop at Walmart, thank those who are cleaning or restocking shelves. When someone at a restaurant does a great job, be sure to thank them and leave a nice tip; write a note on the restaurant’s receipt. You may be THE BRIGHT LIGHT they needed just to get through the day.
Read and Reread Proverbs 4:
The Straight Path
20 My son (daughter), pay attention to my words;
listen closely to my sayings.
21 Don’t lose sight of them;
keep them within your heart.
22 For they are life to those who find them,
and health to one’s whole body.
23 Guard your heart above all else,[a]
for it is the source of life.
24 Don’t let your mouth speak dishonestly,
and don’t let your lips talk deviously.
25 Let your eyes look forward;
fix your gaze[b] straight ahead.
26 Carefully consider the path[c] for your feet,
and all your ways will be established.
27 Don’t turn to the right or to the left;
keep your feet away from evil.
So beautiful Sisters, let’s enjoy this Journey together.
My phone is always on if you want to chat.
Let’s talk about it:
- Can you feel the shift when you stop dwelling on your own feelings and focus on the attributes of God?
- Can you sense the peace when Elisabeth Elliot says, “but dwelling on the love, faithfulness, and mercy of God is always safe”?
- This week where are the places on your path where you might be a bright light to someone else?
