Last week, I got to sit down with a 90 year old man who is eagerly waiting for his day to meet with the Lord Jesus Christ. He didn't talk much; he was a bit too tired to and he wanted to go rest even if it was in the middle of the day. However, the few moments I spent with him are still etched in my mind.
There is one question that really struck me though... "Did you ever imagine, in all you life, that you would be here right now?" (I'm just paraphrasing his words)
And even if we were talking about my relationship with his granddaughter, it's a question that covered much more that that... For me, it reminded me of every moment of 2016 and how God has been so faithful to see me through from the very first day till now, counting down hours to the end of it.
I started this year two months into my new job working with Teens and I really didn't know what 2016 had in store for me. But as I sit here writing this, I can't help but remember the prayer I made just over 9 years ago asking God to allow me to serve him and he finally gave me the chance... I am living that prayer now.
It's over 3 years since I graduated from university and if at that time you asked me to define success 3 years after leaving campus, I'd tell you it would be working in a big construction firm (construction is my field of training), earning a 6 figure salary and living a lavish lifestyle.
Having worked in full time ministry for an entire year has turned my definition of success up side down.
I'd say this has been my most successful year in employment; not because I am earning a 6 figure salary and living a lavish lifestyle... But because I am living God's purpose in my life. I have seen God work in the lives of young people this year, I've seen Him using me to reach out and I have seen His faithfulness.
So back to the story of meeting someone's grandad last week... As he asked that question, I couldn't help but think how my relationship has been this year... From getting down on one knee and her saying yes, to introducing families and finally getting parental blessing to marry her... Who would have thought!!!
2016 has been a year of seeing God's favour, He has been my provision, He has been my comfort, He has been my assurance. I could never have imagined my year going this way... But it did and it was all Him!!!
For me, this has been a year of God fulfilling promises He has given in His word.
"For we live by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7
I have not lived my life this year with a definite idea of how things would actually end, but God has taken control of things and I can only sit back and be amazed at how perfect He is in His ways. I just can't help think what kind of a mess of my life I would have created had I not trusted Him enough.
How often do we think we have everything under control and we end up getting things all wrong, messing up God's perfect plans? This year has been a reminder that I am the worst at running my own life.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
The beauty of life is that we have absolutely no idea how our lives will be, what tomorrow holds, and worse of how much time we have on our hands. This could just as well be my last day and what really matters is that I've places my life in the one who's got it all in His plans.
As we get to the last moments of 2016, I am reminded that His will for me is good, pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2) I'd be a fool to think that I know it all. At this rate, I just can't wait to see the miracles He has in store for 2017.
As we get to 2017, may this testimony be a reminder that we are God's workmanship, created to live according to His will and to find joy in living our lives in Him who's got our backs.
Have a prosperous 2017, won't you?
