God's Demonstration

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves….so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body….so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 2 Corinthians 4:7,10,11 (New American Standard Bible)

As I look back over this past year, my desire is that God’s power was evident in my life and that the life of Christ was seen in me. Eternity will ultimately reveal if that was the case. But for now, I rest in the fact that anything of eternal value that was accomplished and anything of lasting change that came about was truly the display of God’s power and not my own. I know that in my flesh, my power, my strength, and my resolve this is not possible. I have experienced too many failures, distractions, and diversions for me to muster up any self-glory. The final test is not what people thought of me for they were limited in their view. It is not even what I think of myself for my heart is deceitful. In the end, it is what God sees and knows. For He alone sees my heart, motives, and thoughts. He reads me like an open book.

He also knows what He is working in me to bring about His masterpiece of redemption. He has chosen to indwell this earthen vessel with all of its weaknesses, sinful habits, and prodigal ways. Like a jeweler who places diamonds on a backdrop of dark velvet for a greater contrast, He chooses to contrast His perfection and holiness against my depravity, His forgiveness against my sin, His love against my rebellion, and His strength against my weakness. The contrast is not only evident, it is stunning and evokes praise to Him!

I praise Him for any steps forward He helped me to take and any steps backward He forgave. I praise Him for any knowledge of Himself that was gained. I praise Him for the tears He allowed and then lovingly dried. I praise Him for painful goodbyes and extraordinary introductions. I praise Him for any and all things He used to draw me closer to Himself. I praise Him for that which caused me to open my eyes, ears, heart, and arms to Him. I praise Him for the things He noticed that escaped even my attention. I praise Him for not allowing others to take His place. I praise Him for loving discipline that not only got my attention but opened the door for change. I praise Him for individuals He supplied to walk along side me. I praise Him for all the ways He chose to teach me of His ways and His heart. I praise Him for ministering to the wounds, brokenness, and heartaches. I praise Him for all the music that has reached my ears as well as my spirit. I praise Him for this journey. And I praise Him that by His grace I will enter another year to see Him continue to do all of this and so much more!

Father, show Yourself plainly in my life. May each day I see and acknowledge Your work in me. My Potter, My Father, My Friend, I love You! Amen.