December was a wonderful month of celebrating own birthday and the birth of Jesus. I was blessed to celebrate my birthday with a close group of friends whom God has brought together. The bond of love that God has powerfully built between us has been a great source of encouragement to me. I trust that through our fun times, deep conversations and activities together God will reveal Himself and His love to each one of us.
I also got to attend the Vision conference at which I met many people from whose experience I could learn and think about ministry. I was especially excited to hear about the ways in which God is at work. When it is tempting to feel discouraged and unsure about whether God is at work at all, the testimonies of others and the evidence of God’s work in and through me, remind me to keep trusting in Him and remaining faithful to His calling. God is preparing me for what comes next and through each experience, challenge and testimony I am strengthened to take the next step in faith.
God continually reminds me that this is His work, not mine. His reminder helps me to turn my eyes to focus on Him and worship Him rather than having my eyes fixed on myself, whether its on my achievements or failures, my strengths or weaknesses. In the midst of spiritual battles, I have opportunities to trust in Christ’s victory and authority and not be overcome by the challenges that appear to be overwhelming.
God is at work and I praise Him for allowing me to participate in what He is doing. It is a blessing that cannot be compared with the riches of this world. I see Him opening eyes and ears and hearts and helping people receive and be transformed by His love. I see Him do what is humanly impossible. I can’t change my own heart or mind. Can I change anyone else’s? No. It is God’s work from start to finish. All the glory and honor belongs to Him!