When I think about 2016, all I can say is, I’m glad that it’s over. I know that sounds terrible, but I started this blog as a “honest and open” friendship with you all. I want you to know that I am human and I do struggle just like you. At the beginning of 2016, I suffered from postpartum depression after the birth of my 2nd son in November 2015. In the Spring I continued my struggle as I adjusted to parenting 2 young boys and the terrible twos turned into terrible 3s for my wild little man. Some of my closest family suffered from health issues, depression, and struggles that I could not understand. It felt as though my family was falling apart and there was nothing I could do to help them out of this pit. In the Fall of 2016, I sat beside my grandfather as he took his last breath. Prior to his death, I watched him deteriorate from Alzheimer’s and forget everyone around him. I rejoice in the fact that I know that he is with Jesus now, but it still hurt tremendously to see him suffer along the way. This also was the hardest year for me thus far in the ministry. My husband and I struggled with some tough situations from youth, young adults, and even past friends and teens that gave up on God and turned to the world. Like I’ve said before, the hardest part of ministry is seeing someone you love turn away from God and turn to the world. It’s heartbreaking and hard to understand but I have faith that God has a plan for every trial that we go through.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3
As I think about the past and the struggles I faced in 2016, some mentioned and some left unspoken, I can still say that I am thankful. I am thankful for the struggles and the trials that I went through. I’m even more thankful that God held my hand as I walked through them. Without Him I could not have made it.
“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
I heard a story the other day that made it all so clear to me. When you get older, you have to go to the doctor regularly for physicals and exams just to make sure you are healthy. At some point the doctor would probably ask, “How do you think your heart is?” Since I’m fairly healthy and exercise routinely, I would answer, “I’m sure it’s fine. I haven’t had any heart problems or pains, so it’s good.” You see, the issue is, I’m not a doctor. I feel fine, act fine, and I think I’m pretty healthy, but “fine” is not a medical diagnosis. Just to make sure my heart is as good as I think it is, the doctor would hook me up to a bunch of machines and take me over to a treadmill. For a short time, the doctor would monitor my heart as I walked at different speeds up and down hills. As the stress increased on my heart, the true condition would be revealed. Was I truly as healthy as I thought I was?
To reveal the true condition of your heart, the stress has to be increased. Without trials, without pressure, would you truly rely on God?
So I ask you this, 2016 is over, the stress has come and gone, and the holidays are coming to an end…how did your heart handle the stress? Did you stay the same when the pressure increased? Or did you turn to anything or anyone other than Jesus Christ?
When the stress increases, your heart’s true condition will be revealed.
How is your heart?
I challenge you to take on 2017 with a new outlook. No matter what happens, no matter what you go through, strive to stay the same. Seek God always and find the good in every situation. Not every day is perfect, but every day is a gift from God. Take on this year with a smile and a thankful heart thanking God for every moment he blessed you with!
May God Bless you and show you His Grace every day in 2017!!
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
