“God meets us in our suffering and helps us grow in Him. Rather than viewing afflictions as His disfavor, may we look for ways He’s using them to sharpen and build our character as we experience His love ‘poured out into our hearts’.”
~Marvin Williams
Scripture for Reflection: Romans 5:1-5
“God will never stop teaching us if we’re willing to open our heart and mind to His guidance and instruction.”
~Cindy Hess Kasper
Scripture for Reflection: Proverbs 1:1-7
“James’ command to consider trials as “all joy” makes no sense unless we see them as opportunities for spiritual growth. Trials are designed by the Lord to test our faith, humility, submission, and values. We can either waste our difficulties by defiantly resisting God or benefit by trusting in and depending on Him.”
~Dr. Charles Stanley
Scripture for Reflection: James 1:2-12
“James’ command to consider trials as “all joy” makes no sense unless we see them as opportunities for spiritual growth. Trials are designed by the Lord to test our faith, humility submission and values. We can either waste our difficulties by defiantly resisting God or benefit by trusting in and depending on Him.”
~Dr. Charles Stanley
Scripture for Reflection: James 1:2-12
“God’s Word is the compass for our life. It’s nutrition for our spiritual growth, a guide for life, protection from sin and error, and a means of knowing God better.” ~Dr. Charles Stanley
Scripture for Reflection: Psalm 119:105-106
“Oftentimes adversity results in spiritual growth. In times of pain, the facade we typically display is withdrawn to expose who we truly are. As our security or comfort is shaken, our true priorities, spiritual crutches, pride, and self-reliant ways are revealed. God may use the opportunity to strip away everything we depend on until nothing competes with Jesus’ reign in our life.” ~Dr. Charles Stanley
Scripture for Reflection: Romans 5:1-5
“Our real journey in life is interior. It is a matter of growing, deepening, and an ever greater surrender to the creative action of love and grace in our hearts.” ~Thomas Merton
Scripture for Reflection: Ephesians 3:14-21
“If we oppose the work of the Holy Spirit in our heart, we sabotage our own spiritual growth and become feeble and ineffective Christians.” ~Dr. Charles Stanley
Scripture for Reflection: Ephesians 4:11-32
“Difficulties cause us to adopt new routines and habits; to mature in physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our being; and to grow in our relationship with the Lord.” ~Dr. Charles Stanley
For Reflection: Joshua 1:1-9
When I think about my journey through “grace” this year, I notice that I’ve learned a lot about myself and I’ve been changed in ways I never imagined. I’m thankful that it has made me a softer person.
I’ve discovered hidden pride, self-righteousness, and even a judgmental and critical attitude. And as I realized the impact these negative characteristics had on my life, I could see a desperate need for change. I’m thankful that I could surrender those ugly traits to the Lord in exchange for His mercy.
I wish I could take credit for this change in me, but I know that I can’t. It has been the work of the Holy Spirit, subtlety transforming me and renewing my mind.
There is a calmness to my days that I have never experienced before. A new sense of peace and faith that everything will work out OK.
And with each new discovery of God’s grace, I grasp a new depth of His love for me. There’s a feeling of contentment, even though the pain and suffering of chronic illness has not improved.
God’s grace permeates every area of our lives. It stops us from becoming stressed or upset with ourselves, and others, when we must endure failure or crisis or disappointment.
I’m glad the author challenged her readers to choose a word to reflect on throughout the year. I’ve been blessed, challenged, corrected, and inspired.
I don’t know if you chose a word to reflect on or if this is something you’ve done for years, but I hope you have grown and matured in your walk with the Lord. And that you will always seek to remain in the center of His will.
As I look back and reflect on the year, I take time to think about both the good times and the tougher times. I like to thank God for His protection, for the blessings He bestowed upon Me, and for His answers to situations I needed to resolve.
Thank you for taking this journey with me. I hope you have found encouragement along the way. And, I pray God’s blessings of peace, mercy, and grace upon you and your loved ones as we end one year and enter another one.
Living Water by Dorothea Love 