Happy New Year
Well, 2017 is here! Each new year always brings with it the excitement and anticipation of the great things that will happen that year (or at least we hope). A chance to start new. An opportunity for change. A chance to do things differently. In anticipation of doing things differently we set New Years resolutions. But, Wait! We are so quick to rush into what’s next that we sometimes fail to reflect on what has been. There is value to be found in 2016! Before we move into 2017, let’s stop and reflect. Where did your Brewing Ground take you? Did you have a great year? Was it a challenge? For some of you, challenging may be the understatement of the century. Regardless of how your year went, I challenge you to find the good in all of it – the good, the bad, and the ugly. It is there!
Finding Value
It is easy to find the good in the good things. But, can you find the good in the challenges?
“28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 KJV
Romans 8:28 reminds us that ALL THINGS (even every trial) will be used for our good. Maybe your good is the fact that you survived! The word surviving will hold different meanings for different people depending on the situation. Regardless of what you survived…Praise God – to Him be the glory! You wouldn’t have made it through without Him.
Surviving the challenges and trials of our Brewing Ground holds great value! Let’s reflect! What did you learn from it? What did you learn about yourself? How did it change you? Did you experience God in a new way? How did it change your relationship with God? Were you able to find the good in your challenges and trials? Reflect UNTIL you find the good in the challenges of 2016. Now, thank God for these blessings. Once you have found the good in the challenging parts of last year, then you are ready to think about 2017.
“10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” Colossians 3:10 KJV
Take the renewed you into 2017 armed with the knowledge that God gave you through surviving 2016.
Brewing Ground
It may be a fantastic year for you or it may be full of challenges. In any case, I believe that whatever you face will be what you allow God to make it. You have to choose whether or not to find the good in your circumstances. This is our Brewing Ground; the place where God uses life and the good and bad we face as his refining fire to brew something special in us and refine us into a beautifully unique masterpiece.
“19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 KJV
God used this verse to remind me that there is always hope while we are in the midst of our Brewing Ground. He can clear a path through thick forest or mountains and put rivers in the midst of our desert to help make the way easier and provide for our needs. God is always with us using every part of our life for good.
“46 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. 4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.” Psalm 46:1-5 KJV
New Years Challenge
So, 2017 holds great potential. We all have goals and plans; things we want to do, things we want to change. Some of you may have plans for new adventures. Some may have plans for transition and change. This is the whole point of New Years resolutions. To set goals and make plans for what we want to change. So, after reflecting on last year, I challenge you enter the new year with prayer! Pray about what God would have you plan and change. What does He want your resolutions to include? Pray about the upcoming year and what lies ahead – your Brewing Ground. Next, pray some more!
New Years Resolutions – I challenge you to reflect on last year. Then, consult God on His resolutions for you. Be very intentional and thoughtful in what you plan for yourself so that it is in line with God’s plan for you. Write them down. If you happen to get off track – it’s ok! Just start again. You DO NOT have to wait until next January. Anytime is a great time for meaningful change!
“17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV