Hi everyone! I hope you all had a blessed and joy-filled Christmas. I cannot believe 2018 is almost over. This year has been a good one. Here's some my reflections:
It has definitely had its trials and challenges. I had started the temporary job, fallen in love with it, then had to leave. I went on to work for another company that was great, but it just wasn't the right fit for me. To say the summer and early fall was tough would be an understatement. I felt so anxious, depressed, and I just wanted to land something permanent, full-time, and work in a place that I loved and be able to connect with people and help them. I knew I had to be in an office setting where there were real people. (I guess I learned that I am not as introverted as I thought I was.) The one thing that got me through that trying time was depending on Christ's grace and His strength. I may not have had the finances I wanted, but I had God reminding me that money can never ever buy peace or joy. I may not have had a job I liked, but I had scripture's reminders that God always provide and worrying doesn't help anyone. And even though spells of anxiety and sadness would wash over me, I just knew deep down in my heart that God was doing something big and I just needed to sit tight and wait patiently.
And waiting for the right job wasn't all bad. Because I didn't have regular work, I had lots of time this summer to travel and explore new places with my parents. I got to visit Yosemite National Park and I was just blown away by all of the natural beauty. It reminded me that God is the ultimate artist and nature is his way of displaying his power and creativity. I was so captivated by all the beauty and wonder around me, so I had no time to be anxious or worried about my job search. I believe nature can heal broken hearts and provide comfort in extraordinary ways.
Well, my hunch that God was working on my behalf was certainly true. During the summer I had three different dreams about working at my old office. Some people were the same, some were different but I had gotten a full-time job there and was happy. I would wake up and shake it off as wishful thinking. I had already reached out to them earlier inquiring about any job openings only to be told they weren't hiring. I had almost given up on the idea until one day I got a call from them saying that they were hiring and I was already being considered for the job. I was so excited and then I was told I'd be working in public policy again and this time my job would be full-time and NOT temporary. I felt as if God was winking at me and telling me "See, I told you something big was going to happen." I was reminded of Luke 1:45 "Blessed is she who has believed that the LORD would fulfill his promises to her." It's not always easy to have faith and hope but I'm so glad I was able keep trusting God and continue to keep taking initiatives to lock down this job. Prayer and perseverance has never been so crucial in my life.
I think the theme for 2018 would be "He's able." God has proved to me over and over that He is always bigger than my situations. It may not always be easy or pretty, but He teaches me that being patient and positive yields bigger rewards than being worried and upset. Throughout this past year, the Lord has put Romans 12:12 on my heart and it has become my meditation for each day. It says: "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." When I had tough days, I learned how to get down on my knees and pray. And at the end of each day, I was still able to write down at least three things to be thankful for. That would give me enough courage and hope to face each new day and keep trusting that God's plans were 100% better than my own ideas. My circumstances never ever dictate my worship for God because God is good all the time and he is faithful all the time. If I waited until everything was going perfectly to praise God, then I would never praise him. God never fails so my devotion to him shouldn't either. God is greater than the ups and downs.
Walking with Christ doesn't mean life is always smooth sailing. I have a really hard time when people make it seem as if accepting Jesus makes all your problems go away instantly. It's so unrealistic to think being a Christian makes you immune to struggles. Someone once told me that trials can sometimes be seen as a good thing because it means you're strong enough to stand them. I was in the midst of telling God "I think Satan is attacking my faith, Lord. What does this mean?" And the Lord answered me by saying "Satan attacks those he is threatened by. Now, stand firm in your faith. You are my child. That means you are a warrior princess and you will victorious." Nothing about life is guaranteed to be easy. But as many people say "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger". I believe through all the trials I faced this past year, my faith grew roots and each day I am getting closer and closer to having unshakable faith. It has been a year of immense growth and for that I am so grateful.
As 2019 approaches, I pray you all experience God's peace and his love for you. May we never forget that we have such a merciful, gracious, and loving Father who has poured out blessings upon blessings on us. We are loved by the creator of the universe and I think that is just so awesome. May your hearts and homes be filled with joy, laughter, and sweet memories for years to come.
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
