The End and God's Beginning

2014 is nearly four hours away from being over. Honestly, it doesn't seem real to me, like this is all a dream. It all seemed to just go by too fast. Too fast to be real.

But here we are.

When you think of 2014, what comes to your mind? Though there has been tragedy this year, I can't seem to think of any of it at the moment. All that comes to my mind is seeing the ocean for the first time. Or pulling of a A- in the hardest class I have ever taken. Watching my little brother and my dad win our town's little league championship when I thought I was going to be gone. Finally, having a great group of friends that I can be myself around.

Yet this year has not been all rainbows and sunshine. I'm sure I've cried countless times this year. People, distant relatives and friends, have passed away. Friends have left. Relationships have crashed and burned. But through all of that, I can constantly see how God has blessed me. Not just with the little things, but the big things as well.

I think of a million things I need to do better this year. For one thing, I need to stop idolizing over temporary things and trust in Someone enteral and never-failing. I can write more instead of wasting hours on social media and music. Over the years, I have struggled with a forgiving problem that I have held onto for the longest time. By God's grace, maybe I'll let go of the anger this year. All of it.

When I think about it, all of those things revolve around one thing.

Sarah, stop wasting your time.

It's so easy to waste time nowadays. I waste time. A lot of it. There are days when I say I'm going to stop, but don't. I spend time listening to music and on Pinterest when I could have been studying God's word or writing. I play around and do useless things when I could be reading. Reading, people. I waste a lot of time. Putting God first would be a lot easier if I didn't waste so much time.

But think about this. This could be my last year. This could be yours too. That scares me because there are people in my life, people so dear to me, that do not have Jesus. If they died tomorrow, I might not see them in Heaven when I go up.

That terrifies me. Sometimes I just don't know what to do about it.

I pray to God that I might grow in my relationship with Him so I may find a way to witness to people. God has blessed me by getting me into the habit of reading His word every morning. Lately, I've figured out that the morning does not go too well without it.

God has shown so much grace to me this year, especially since I have not focused on Him like I should. As I was going over all my sins, I was blown away by the fact that He paid the price for that on the cross.

I hope this has been a good year for you. If it has not, if you do not see the hope, I urge to remember a good thing that has happened. Focus on that. Because this year, I have learned that it is not fun to be depressed. So why shouldn't we avoid it at all costs?

In closing, I would like to post a chapter of the Bible that was featured in The Road to Becoming by Jenny Simmons, an amazing book by the way. These words are breathtaking and perfect for the ending of any season in life.

But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.....

"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.

"Yet you did not call upon me, O Jacob; but you have been weary of me, O Israel!

You have not brought me your sheep for burnt offerings, or honored me with your sacrifices. I have not burdened you with offerings, or wearied you with frankincense.

You have not bought me sweet cane with money, or satisfied me with the fat of your sacrifices. But you have burdened me with your sins; you have wearied me with your iniquities.

 

"I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.   Put me in remembrance; let us argue together; set forth your case, that you may be proved right. (Isaiah 43:1,18-26)

I'm not going to post a song because nothing can compare to those words.

Thanks for reading! How has God blessed you this year?