As I sit here at my desk, trying to put my thoughts into words, I am tempted to become frustrated with myself. So much has happened over this past year that to somehow try to wrap it all up into one simple blog posting would be impossible. My heart is full of joy as I see what the Lord has brought us through these last twelve months, but to capture that emotion in mere text seems beyond my ability.

We have faced many challenges since last December, but God has proved faithful every step of the way. During the times of uncertainty and even fear, God calmed us and showed us His strength. We learned that when we place our trust in Him, He never leaves our side. “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you” (Psalm 9:10). And by His side, we have witnessed miracles. From the surprising ways God stretched our income right when it was needed the most, to the healing of our daughter through a life-saving operation, God’s compassion and provision has amazed us.

This year, our faith has grown as God has taught us patience. Sometimes His plans may seem unclear or slow to us, but He has shown us that His timing is always perfect. Through waiting upon His timing, we were able to witness God's glory. We learned that quite often it is in the journey that God prepares us for what is to come. And without the winding path He leads us on, the destination would not otherwise be found. “This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed” (Habakkuk 2:3).

And so, if I were to summarize all we have experienced this past year and put it into one word, I would choose the word “love”. For God has shown us His love through every experience we have had and through every lesson He has taught. On this Thankful Thursday, as the year 2010 rolls to a close, I am praising God for the sum of it all - His everlasting love.

“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,
for His steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods,
for His steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for His steadfast love endures forever;
to Him who alone does great wonders,
for His steadfast love endures forever”
(Psalm 136:1-4).

Living for Him,




Please hop over to Iris' blog, Grace Alone, to link up with this week's Thankful Thursday posts.


8 Comments

  1. Thank you Joan for sharing your heart and testimony of God goodness to you and your family. Each time I read your words I am blessed through them. I am praising Jesus today with joy in my heart and thanksgiving for your beautiful words of wisdom.

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  2. Joan,
    Always thinking of you and your family and rejoicing that He has been at great work this year! Habakkuk 2:3 is one of my absolute favorite verses and I always go back to it when I need to be reminded of the value of the journey of the "big picture." To another great year!

    Love,
    Emily

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  3. I'm so glad that I came to know you this year Joan. So many of us have gone through very challenging times in 2010. But you're so right. "

    We learned that when we place our trust in Him, He never leaves our side."

    2010 has been a year of learning that God is trustworthy. Little did I realize all that would take place this past year. But through it all, He provides what we need and just when we need it.

    May 2011 be a year of more growth but maybe also a bit of peace too. :)

    Love,
    Debbie

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  4. Joan - I've also experienced a year of learning God's trustworthiness. He has brought us through a lot the last few years - at times I've doubted, yet He has proven Himself over and over.

    This is a beautiful, heartfelt post - so encouraging.

    Blessings to you in the New Year.

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  5. Happy New Year, Joan! Thanks for sharing God's love with us. He has really been ministering to you and your family!

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  6. Joan - This was such a very encouraging post. A testament to God's love and faithfulness, and your trust in Him. I think it's so important to take time to reflect on what God has done in our lives. This time of year it's especially on my mind. I cannot believe the many things that God has brought me and my family through - and the blessings He's bestowed on us.

    I eagerly await His leading, His opportunities, His will in 2011.

    Hope you and yours had a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to you all!

    GOD BLESS!

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  7. Hi Joan,

    I can relate to some of what you shared for sure! I came by to say I pray a year filled with God's blessings, wisdom tools for you and your family to keep to the faith, a year of greater love and courage in the Lord and a year of His Hand continuing to rest with you and yours!

    Happy New Year!
    Lisa

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  8. The Lord's love is far-reaching and more than enough to see us through all difficulties. We sometimes forget that... I certainly have! When i look back on 2010, I can't believe the journey I've walked. It's been rough and tumble most days, but I'm here today, knowing that only by the grace and love of God have I made it through with my faith in tact.

    I hope and pray for you a year filled with rich reminders of God's presence and grace. May 2011 be a year of peace for your household.

    ~elaine

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