Welcome to what will probably be the last post on “Shadow” for 2022. There will be a lot of reflecting over the next few days about 2022. The highs and lows. The victories and defeats. What I will call the woulda, shoulda, coulda’s.
But along with reflecting on 2022 (the past), there will also be some pondering about 2023. No one could have guessed what all 2022 would bring, nor can we guess what 2023 will bring. I won’t lie-I do wonder. Will my health hold up? Will that knee they say needs replaced “someday” find its “someday” in 2023? Will I be able to erase even more debt in 2023 (I only owe on 2 things at the moment-my house and truck)? Will the church thrive? Will Jo and I be able to celebrate our 50th in June? So many questions…not one answer…
Except…
I don’t have to know. God does. And since he has never failed me yet, I’m pretty confident He won’t in 2023.
I read about a lady named Charlotte Elliott. She suffered a physical disability for years and on the night before she was to participate in a fund-raiser for higher education, she was a mess. She tossed and turned all night with doubts and worries. She felt inadequate. The next morning she went to her desk and penned these well-known words: “Just as I am, without one plea/ But that they blood was shed for…”
Take note of Genesis 17:1. It says, “I am God Almighty (El Shaddai); walk before Me.” The Hebrew term, El Shaddai, can mean “God who is sufficient.”
I don’t know what 2023 holds. None of us do. What I DO KNOW is El-Shaddai, God Almighty, is sufficient to enable me to weather any storm.
“Father, may I trust You no matter what, as the One who is sufficient.”
2022 has been a ride for sure… I can relate to the ups and downs and the shoulda, woulda, coulda. As 2023 is within arms reach, I am looking forward to another year of opportunity and goal setting. It is pretty incredible what can be achieved when you set challenging, achievable, and measurable goals. Even more so when those goals point ourselves and others to Christ. And even more yet when those goals are God inspired and God impowered… God-sized goals have an opportunity to increase faith in ourselves and others. Don’t get frustrated when resistance is faced, instead push through and persevere. Don’t give up if you suffer a setback. Get back in the saddle and dig the heels in. Even 1% improvement is improvement.
Thanks for the reminder and motivation this morning, you got my blood pumping.
I think I see your blood flowing through your comments Ryan. 🙂 But you certainly have the ideas to move forward on. i can’t wait to see what God will do through you this year.
Here’s hoping that 2023 is a better year for all of us, Bill. I’m looking forward to seeing what God will do!
Blessings!
I’ll drink (Dr. pepper Zero since i don’t drink) to that. 🙂 And Yes, I am looking forward to seeing it as well.