Luke 8:39 (NIV) ‘Return home and tell how much God has done for you.’ So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.”
Today is the last day of this year. Different people will have different experiences of how this year has affected them. For years I will always look back at the past year and ask myself what I have learned over the past year and then document it. It does not matter what your experience was of this year, we all have learned something from it. I want to challenge you today, take a few minutes and reflect. Think about it? What are the lessons from this year?
One of the best ways to make stronger decisions for your future is by learning from your past. Rather than being a victim to your past, you can learn how to use past experiences to shape your future!
Just think back, we have all learned to work from home, how to meet online, to social distance, wear a mask, sanitise, appreciate your freedom, to appreciate what you have, how to cope with change, online church, meetings, family gatherings, how to work paperless, online shopping, the list goes on and on. Make a list of your own. You will be surprised how long this list is.
All of us had a year of victories, defeats, regrets, sorrows, joys, achievement and the list goes on. What I have learnt out of all of this is that God turns your past into purpose.
Romans 8:28 NIV “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Take note, all things work for the good, the bad and the good, but only for those who love God. Here is the key – Proverbs 3:6 (LB) “In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.”
No matter what season you are in, staying focused on God and staying in the flow will help us experience His peace and love regardless of our circumstances.
Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV) “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Romans 8:31-35,37-39 (MSG) So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing. None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.
What can I learn from this year? Romans 8:31 (NIV) “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?