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Here it is, the last day of 2007, and I’m finding it’s been quite a while since I’ve posted. Lots of ideas for posts have crossed my mind, but somehow never made it to the blog here.
Really though, one of the main things on my mind at the moment is reflecting on this past year. It’s been quite a ride, and I’ve learned a lot.
In 2007. . .
I learned that God’s timing is not always my timing. I don’t always understand what He is doing, but He always has good reason for it. Like finding out that I was pregnant – we have prayed for six years that it would happen, but God’s timing was that it wouldn’t happen until now. Right now I can see a few of His reasons for that (though surely not all of them), and I am thankful for His timing.
Through learning about God’s timing, I learned about faith. I learned that there are times when we think He is late – like when a bill needs to be paid. It was during those times that I learned that sometimes God waits until a time when it is clear that He and He alone is responsible for our needs being met.
I learned that when I think that my faith is not strong enough to go on, God often gives me something else to keep me going for just a little bit longer. Those things have been anything from getting a single egg from our hens one day, to getting a big order from one of my online businesses, to someone paying a huge bill for us. There have been many times that He has simply opened my eyes to see the things that He has done for us. . .and that counting of our blessings has often been something that keeps me going another day when I think I just can’t go on.
I learned that I serve a mighty God who answers prayer. I love seeing Him answer prayers for “little things.” I also love seeing him answer the prayers of my 3-year-old son.
I learned that it is possible to feed my family of 3 for under $40 a month. I had no idea it was that low until I was looking at budget totals the other day. If it weren’t for God laying it on peoples’ hearts to give us food, we would have really struggled during lean times. Instead, we ate wonderfully through His provision. Suddenly, Psalm 37:18 and 19 make more sense to me (emphasis mine):
18 The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
You know, the more I think about it, the more I realize what an amazing God that I serve. Lord willing, in 2008, I can give Him more of the credit He deserves for the wonderful things He has done in my life!