Another Year – Gone

Whatever happened to 2018? It seems such a short time ago we were at the beginning. . .now, gone. As I look back over the year I can’t help but wonder if we have accomplished our will, or His will. Perhaps we have succeeded at little of either, but we have not done nothing. Over the course of the last 365 days, we have been busy. The questions that comes to mind, however, are not about our busyness, but rather our focus.

In James 4:13-17, James speaks of our life as “smoke that appears for a little while, then vanishes.” That continues to challenge me. We have a limited number of years. Pseudo-prophets have said that the Lord would return before now. All of this that we know as life would be over and all the redeemed would be dwelling in the Heavenlies. The fact is, we are still here (assuming you are reading this) and we must evaluate the past year while shifting our focus to 2019.  If the Father should tarry His coming, and we keep “smokin’,” we must continue to discover His design and purpose for those days yet to come. One of the best ways to discover His path for the future is to review His path in the past. Since God never changes, we can be certain the two are vitally interconnected.

What have we learned in 2018? Where has been the clear demonstration of His power? When have we been most certain of His grace and mercy? Answering those questions creates a guideline for 2019.

A challenge then: take a look at your Spiritual growth in 2018. Don’t be arrogant or boastful, but realistic. Do you know what it is to “do good,” and have you been doing it? Can you truthfully say that if 2019 doesn’t go as planned, you will be comfortable with your explanation of 2018, should the Father ask?

I have this notion that 2019 is going to play out. Most of us are going to be “smokin’ ” away. Before you vanish, make sure you are concentrating on consecrating every day as a day of obedience to the will and purpose of God. And if we come to the end of 2019, your evaluation will find the Father “nearer, dearer, and clearer.”