2011: What A Year
2011 was nothing short of a roller coaster ride if I've ever been on one.
God was so so gracious in all of His dealings with me. In fact, I was telling a friend the other day, "God has done an incredible work in three short years and he continues to show me increasing favor."
I believe last we (you and I) talked I was wrapping up the end of my summer session at the Boys & Girls Club. With great expectation and anticipation I can tell you I am now back in the great state of Texas (indefinitely).
So many prayers were answered this year.
Prayer for...
A job
Direction
Increased faith
The salvation of souls
Roommates
A place to live
Revelation of sin
Humility
Community that runs deep
Greater love
Financial provision
Grace, grace, and more grace
...one of these days I'll read through my old journals and make a running list of answered prayers.
Famous last words, right?
Well, if you think about it, all prayers are answered in some way or another. If we really believe God is all-good and all-loving, then even in those prayers He "seemingly" didn't answer He worked in our best interest.
God says of David:
“Because he loves me...I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him" (Psalm 91:14-15)
He does the same for all of His children.
Take heart, though oft His answer seems terribly late, He loves us most when He says, "Wait."
In the past I could read all these stories of saints waiting for years for God to answer them and for whatever reason (ahem, lack of faith) I always thought, "Sure, He answered those guys, but will He really answer me? Little ole me?"
Truth be told, at those moments I thought myself a giant holding onto my little pocket-sized Jesus. Little? Yeah right, my head was anything but little.
And after waiting only 10 months in the-middle-of-nowhere Alabama, He answered! Shocked? I shouldn't have been. Or should I have?
There is this funny tension between knowingly expecting God to answer our prayers and our surprise when He does. What's that about? Seriously, please email me if you know.
Alas, I seriously digress.
2012, I'm expecting even greater things from you. I have a hunch you will not disappoint.
To leave you with one last reminder of God's amazing grace:
I have been given the best job with the best co-workers and the best bosses, not to mention incredible roommates and Church family, any girl my age could ask for.
To God Most High be all glory, honor, and praise forevermore!