2016 Goodbye

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

Almost everybody I have heard or read were so glad to have 2016 over with. Perhaps my memory is bad, but I thought '16 was a pretty good year, for me, anyway. Of course, there were many things I would not have chosen: Illness, setbacks, national and international upheaval, political craziness, upset apple carts, stymied agendas. But God was sovereign. 

I am convinced that if the events, good and bad, of 2017 were all-at-once revealed to us at the outset of the year, none of us would opt to proceed. 

That's where an understanding of God's sovereignty and a dependence on His grace come in. 

Most of us choose to proceed, hoping against hope that it'll surely be a better year. But, as experience tells us, the tendency is that things only get more complex, the challenges only increase, our stamina abates and the year outpaces the previous year for trial and tribulation. 

It is better for us to keep our eyes on the prize, run our assigned race with patience, savor the victories and trust through the difficulties. Ultimately, we should understand that God's got this and we need simply cooperate with His agenda and enjoy the journey. 

I leave you with this wise quote from J. Vernon McGee: Someday, when in the presence of our Savior, we will thank Him for every burden, every trial, and every heartache. 

Amen!