iShineInMinistry

So, it is officially the end of the year and our 365 days of great expectations is closing out. I hope that you had an amazing season with the Lord, learned more about His character, grew in your faith and trusted Him even more, having an excited and expectant heart for all of His wonderful plans. This year we also had a great journey with the single ladies praying every Sunday evening. Through all of the wonderful occurrences, times of prayer and fantastic experiences God was faithful to show up many times. I hope you learned a great deal about your relationship with the Lord and an abundant amount of new information about yourself. Here is what I learned.

 

1) God’s sovereign plan is amazing and it doesn’t matter how long “it” takes to get to the desire of your heart.

Many ladies joined me on a weekly prayer for our future husbands and two ladies actually got engaged this year! Some of the girls were able to start new jobs or go on new adventures with God’s provision and timing or do a myriad of other fantastic things. Some of us may have not gotten to get to the “finish line” with very specific areas of our lives, but that does not discount all of the other wonderful things that took place in 2017. Please take note of 10-25 lovely moments and memories from the year (perhaps one from each month) and thank the Lord for His perfect plan.

 

2) Sometimes by asking for something you want, you stumble upon the realization that you really do not want it after all, because it may not be God’s will.

As we draw closer to God, He begins to show us that He really is all that we need. Even through frustration, tears, heartache, sadness, discouragement and despair God will use things, circumstances, people and other seemingly inanimate things to bring us to the truth that God is our all in all. Sometimes it takes everything else getting taken away to see that…or sometimes we have the “aha” moment before we get to that point. Either way, that is a great place to be in!

 

3) Every single day is an opportunity to find joy, hope and greatness.

When you are truly trusting in the Lord, everything can come up roses because we know that God is in the details, whether or not we understand. God can stretch us, allow certain instances to happen or maneuver our lives in such a way that we will have to cling to His promises and choose joy in storms and hard times. When this happens, it gives us the upper hand over the enemy. He will not be able to throw anything at us that will thwart our faith or make our trust in God falter. Even as chaos ensues, we can find joy; not be in denial, but truly chose to be joyful and thankful in all circumstances, for this is the will of God for us in Christ Jesus!

 

4) Life is shorter than we think – make sure to tell people you love them!

Be a kind friend, a loving family member, a fabulous coworker, a listening ear, a prayer partner, a confidant, a genuine fixture in someone’s life. Be someone that reminds people that kindness still exists. Do it through God’s power and not your own strength. Do it without ulterior motives, do it without expecting something in return. Have the heart to be the hands and feet of Jesus and do all to His glory. Let your love abound so much that the overflow is a blessing to all those who encounter you!

 

I hope that you were able to find joy in this year even in the midst of all the mayhem; the sadness, heartache and craziness that we have seen take place over this year. I know that sometimes it can be hard to look for the joy in the middle of hurt, but don’t let your heart get stuck in the pit of despair. As we get ready for 2018, let’s start the year off right…with prayer! And if you need prayer for anything specific, please do message me. Have a wonderfully blessed New Year!