In
the past week or so I've read and heard many people talk about 2015 goals and
New Year’s resolutions. I've also heard many talk about what to do or what not
to do in order to keep and attain those goals.
I’m
not sure if you’re one of those people who makes New Year’s resolutions; I’ve
never been so inclined. I’m not sure if that’s because I don’t think I will be
able to keep the New Year’s resolution or whether I just can’t be bothered to
make and set a goal for January 1st. Either way, it certainly is talked,
tweeted, blogged and written about a lot at this time of year.
I
have thought about the many things God has done in my life in 2014. Things to
rejoice over, areas I have grown in and goals attained. I’m sure all of us can
look over the past 12 months and count our blessings and remind ourselves of
many good things we have experienced and enjoyed. However, the past 365+ days
have not all be rosy and wonderful. Real life happens and that includes
disappointments, dissatisfactions and even disillusionments.
In
the past few days I've thought of people I know who've had a difficult 2014.
Full of disappointments, unexpected illness, sorrow, grief, unforeseen
limitations imposed on them and the list goes on. It leaves my heart heavy and I've found myself wrestling with the question, “What can I do?”.
Does
the casserole help in the midst of the deep grief?
Does
the email help encourage someone after their diagnosis?
Does
the phone call remind them that someone cares and just wants to give a few
minutes of their time?
The
answer is – yes. Absolutely YES!! None of these things change their
circumstances, but each of them let’s someone else know that they’re not alone
and someone cares.
I
can’t change their diagnosis, I can’t pay their bills, nor can I bring their
loved one back, but I can to do something practical while I’m praying for them
and letting them know I care.
I
can pray and intercede on their behalf – and THAT’s significant!
An
ocean may separate us, but I have direct access to my Heavenly Father with my
prayers. On behalf of friends and family I can go to the throne room and
intercede for those situations and circumstances that leave them (and me!) feeling
fearful, stunned and even overwhelmed.
Sometimes
I don’t even know how to pray, but God still hears the cries of my heart and I
can trust God with those who are near and dear to me.
1
Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you.”
Philippians
4:19 says, “And my God will meet all your needs, according to His glorious
riches in Christ Jesus.”
Proverbs
3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths
straight.”
Maybe
these verses are not just for those going through difficult times, but for
those of us walking alongside someone who is. Interesting thought isn’t it? Can
I trust God with my friend’s grief and my fears?
The
answer is YES! Yes I can trust Him and Yes I’m going to trust Him. I’m going to
trust God in spite of what the diagnosis is, I’m going to trust God in spite of
someone’s poor decision(s) and I’m going to trust God when I can’t see a good
outcome for anyone involved.
So
what does 2015 look like for me?
I don’t know what is coming up, but I do know
WHO I can trust and WHO will walk with me and WHO will meet every one of my
needs.
I am
thankful for my Heavenly Father.
I am
thankful He sent Jesus.
I am
thankful the Holy Spirit is my Comforter.
And
I am thankful for another year to serve Him.
Jo-Ann
P.