Two thousand twelve began as a sleeper. It started out a real snoozer, but quickly picked up in pace and excitement.
In years gone by I’ve prayed and asked the Lord to use me, to transform me into His image, for His purposes. And New Year’s Eve 2011 was no exception – I made the same requests of Him, but His response was completely unexpected. As I look back over the past twelve months I am simply astounded. If I had known what I know now, I think that maybe I wouldn’t have prayed my prayer last year quite so sincerely.
But He knew my heart – and plunged me head-long, deeper into Him, His love and His grace. All along the way there has been a fresh and new sweetness my heart has never known, His presence my constant guide and companion.
And on this journey His goodness abounded:
grace received in great, extraordinary measure.
love and acceptance from dear friends and loved ones.
delightful, new friendships begun; old ones rekindled.
faith and trust revived, requiring large strides of action.
God’s voice, strong and unmistakable; His Words my portion, daily.
a remarkable path set in front of me, I never could have dreamed.
new-found experiences, with His strength to accompany each challenge.
highs and lows felt to my very core, my survival a testament to His unswerving mercy and love.
My New Year’s prayer is this: that He will increase and I will decrease, that my life will be eclipsed by His greatness, that my love for Him will exceed everything else. I’m finishing up 2012 here on Daily Portion, the least sleepy of years ever, with this prayer from Ephesians 3. I know Paul was praying it for the church in Ephesus, but I like to think it is for me too!
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Happy New Year! May you find 2013 to be full of Him and His grace.
daily portion 