REFLECTION 2018
As we are in the last month of 2018, let us reflect on some of the important things God has shared with us during the year. Four critical issues are highlighted for us to reflect upon as the year end, taking cognisance of the fact that they are just as important, having to move forward on God’s plan for our lives in the year ahead.
Firstly, God spoke to us about our identity, in that we are created in His image (Genesis 1:27) and that He had chosen us (John 15:16). This means that we belong to God and He is our Father. Therefore, once we realise and accept that identity, we will have clarity on our role in life. He also gave us an instruction to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last (John 15:16). Furthermore, He gave us the action plan on how to do it, telling us in Matthew 28:19 – 20, to go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and to teach them.
This means acting upon that instruction, wherever God has placed us and where ever he sends us, whether in our families, workplace, social life, church or anywhere in the world. There should therefore be no unclarity on who we are and what our purpose in life is. If we are still confused after such clear direction from God, then we need to do some serious introspection as to why we are not believing and taking up our identity and role in life.
Secondly, God spoke to us about understanding our role in life. We all must play in the game called life and as we play on the game field, there are boundaries clearly given to us in the Word of God. Once the boundaries are overstepped and we start playing outside the play field, we are in for big trouble. It is hard enough to play the game on the field as there are bumps, scratches and falls as we face challenges of life. Why then look for trouble? The best part of it all, is that God does not just let us go. Normally, whistles will blow, warning us that we need to stop playing, turn around and get back on the game field.
However, many ignore the whistles and then simply bring destruction and hurt on themselves, ending up blaming God. The good news is, the minute we decide to step back onto the play field, our game continues in the direction it should go. However, now it involves having to work through some rough patches, to shed the effects of the wrong choices we have made. We must take those wrong choices and instead of crucifying ourselves, we must use it as experience and testimonies to warn others not to overstep the boundaries. As we leave 2018, let us make sure that we are on the right side of the field when we enter 2019.
Thirdly, God spoke to us about keeping the focus, whilst we are in the game called life. We often find ourselves overwhelmed in a challenge and then we lose focus, placing the emphasis on what we feel and see instead on what we know from God’s promises in His Word. God is very clear that faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1). When we focus on what we feel and see, we tend to become despondent and loose hope.
We need to have unconditional faith (Isaiah 7:9) and trust God with all our hearts, not leaning on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). It is not for us to see end results, but to believe that they will come, whether our eyes, in our lifetime, will see it or not. Focus is also one of the areas that satan regularly attacks, for when he succeeds in changing our focus, we start asking God questions, doubting His existence and blaming Him for bad things in this world.
Lastly, as we play in the game called life, we are bound to face challenges, climbing steep mountains and having to swim deep rivers. Those are daily challenges, but we need to know that it will grow us and strengthen us, giving us experience so that we can help others in their game of life. As the year comes to an end and we are still waiting on results and answers to things and questions unresolved, let us not lose hope, for God says that our confidence in Him will be richly rewarded (Hebrews 10:35). God is with us always and no matter how hard the game is, He is in it with us, all the way (Joshua 1:5).
God encourages us in Isaiah 40:31 saying: “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Let us be reminded again as we exit 2018 and enter 2019, that it is not intended for us to paddle like ducks and swim like fish, but to fly like eagles, above circumstances, not under them.
Love in Christ, Princess K