As the year ends…

“Our yesterdays hold broken and irreversible things for us. It is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into constructive thoughtfulness for the future. Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Christ. Leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him.” Oswald Chambers

I have learned:

• Life changes: nothing stays the same.
• People hurt us: most of us are guilty of hurting others too.
• There are two sides to every story, and a third, God’s side which is most important.
• Life is filled with Sovereign Shifts: that is why we can embrace change.
• Church is filled with broken people who hurt each other: this is why we must embrace the gospel of love when it comes to people.
• God is working a bigger story in the middle of our broken pieces.
• The past is over, we must let it go.
• Setting my mind on Truth and God’s Word, brings a deep level of peace.
• Focus is intentional and a choice to be made daily.
• Surrender is usually not comfortable but is the only way into God’s will.
• People don’t have to understand our decisions as long as they line up with truth and God has led the way. It is his voice, approval and nod that is the important deciding factor of life.
• I must hold up every reasoning to the word of God and see if it lines up under the light of Biblical Truth.
• Feelings are indicators of what I need to pray about and commit to God.
• Feelings should not dictate my life or choices, but only indicate what is going on inside of me.
• What is going on inside of me can and should be committed to God, so that I can move in the freedom of His Spirit, and choose wisely.
• I must increase my expectation of God and lower my expectations of people.
• There is always tomorrow, and a God who is waiting there to guide me.