Devotionals

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Okay. A new year has begun and once again we look ahead at a calendar with an open-slate of ministry opportunities. Unfortunately and all too frequently, instead of standing at the beginning of the year as though high upon a precipice, gazing at the future with excitement and wonder, we, instead, tend to look out with eyes that are tired and fatigued. Instead of exciting new opportunities, we wonder if we have the strength to continue. Instead of stepping forward into the New Year with inspiration and optimism we take a deep, reluctant breath and mutter, "Here we go again."

Is all this hard work really worth it? Are the dividends paying off or are we simply going through the motions and nothing ever really changes? We have just come out of the Christmas season with our hearts pulsating from the fast-paced busyness that felt more like a hurricane buffeting us from activity to activity than like the peaceful walk with God we would have preferred. Now we are tired. Now we are worn out. And now we have to start all over again.

So, how does God work through these human emotions and failings? What does He do to remind us of His unfailing love and His ever-present support? How does He encourage, inspire, and strengthen?
It begins with doubt. When we become tired and worn out, doubt begins to creep into our hearts. With doubt comes hopelessness and, even, despair. We then share these feelings with the God that we have come to trust, even as we wonder if He is really listening. The prayers go forth into the heavens and we keep going through the motions of life - each step a struggle and each breath a burden. Is God listening?

But we continue. Next, a Bible verse or devotional catches our attention. The promises are remembered. "I will hold your hand and protect you," the Lord says in Isaiah (Is 42:6). In Acts, Peter reminds us that "He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38) The psalmist cries out that "The LORD gives His people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace.” (PS 29) And then the Baptism and the wonderful encouraging words from God: "This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life." (Matt. 3:17)

We are reminded through these verses that God is with us, holding our hands and strengthening us for the tasks before us. But more importantly we are reminded of His love and that He is well pleased with His good and faithful servants. We then remember that it is in servanthood where we experience His love first hand.

So, we head back into ministry. We attend the meetings that we thought we would never be able to endure again and we begin making plans for the New Year. Friends come together and God's renewing spirit fills the room. Inspiration comes and ideas abound. Excitement grows. Easter is quickly approaching and services are to be planned. New ministries evolve and new people become involved. Hope once again fills our hearts.

When we take a moment to reflect and thank God for His love we come to realize that He had always been there, even in the midst of our doubt, carrying us through the challenges of life. He answered our prayers and He sheltered us from the storms of life. A new day dawns and a universe of new opportunities lies before us.

Closing Prayer:

Loving Father: We do not always act as encouraged and hopeful as we should. We do not always feel loving towards others or ready to spread your Good News. There are times when fatigue takes over and hopelessness, doubt, and despair creep into our hearts. We look around and wonder if we are making any real difference in the world. The New Year opens before us and the burden of starting over again weighs heavily on our shoulders. Lord, we pray that when these doubts take over that you find ways to bring your hope back into our lives. Fill us with your Spirit so that we will be encouraged once again. Reveal your glory so we will be inspired. Take us by the hand and lead us into your kingdom. Protect, strengthen, and encourage our hearts so that we can continue to be the blessings you are calling us to be. Thank you for your love. Through Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

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