Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 NIV

We all go through seasons of circumstance. Some are good and some are not. Some will test us to the limit and cause us to wonder if God is still working in our days. But, through the ups and downs and in-between, our mighty Creator remains faithful. He handles the worry of our wonder. He leads us where we learn how it feels to trust and reminds us we are stronger than we think. He helps us remember His timing is not our own.

Jesus leads us to the Father. He finds the way to help us persevere. He prepares us for the changes in our lives and reminds us why He is faithful. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus is the same today, yesterday, and forever!” What a beautiful promise to help us remember why we must ALWAYS trust.

When we're filled with wonder, we must put our hope in God. Our loving Provider handles our days. He moves us along when we turn from our selfish ways, BELIEVE in the power of His will and patiently wait to receive His presence in our lives.

How do we welcome 2018? We find STRENGTH to embrace what’s to come and COURAGE to remember GOD is with us. We find HOPE in the plans He has for our days and never forget who will handle ALL things. And, we embrace a grateful heart for the love of His faithfulness.

We must patiently wait, so we will discover how to remain faithful and welcome PEACE to persevere. If we make room for Jesus, He will dwell in our hearts. And, we will learn to recognize why we should love Him even MORE…

Dear God, Thank you for guiding us through the past and providing for our needs. You allow us to see how it feels to embrace a grateful heart. Prepare us for whatever will come in this season of change. And, help us never forget why we must keep on moving toward the heavenly prize. Amen

~ God bless each and every one in the New Year ahead. May we never forget why He is worthy of ALL of our praise, faithfulness and love.