“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
-2 Corinthians 5:17
2021 was not an easy year. I spent about half of it away from home and family because I was training to become a soldier in the Army National Guard. It was a worthwhile experience and one that I thank God for. It was always a dream of mine and a long time goal. The National Guard was a perfect fit because it’s part time and allows me to live out a dream. The second half of the year was rocky. Fears, stress, and worries plagued my mind. I’ll be completely honest, my relationship with God waned and I fell away. Slowly but surely I began to drift away until one day I realized just how far I had drifted away from Him. No more prayers, no more reading of the scripture, no more church attendance. I had grown cold. I hope that changes this year.
The verse I shared above is actually the verse of the day that I found on the main page of Revival in Christ. It reminds me of the good times that I had with God. Not to say that every day was a good day, but when I had a strong relationship with God, even the bad days had something good to offer. The Bible tells you and I that we are new creatures in Christ. What a word of encouragement. It’s the type of encouragement that I desperately need in my life right now. I’ve tried to be honest on my blogs. I’m not a perfect Christian and have made countless mistakes that have filled me with deep shame and guilt. If I could I’d erase all of my mistakes and start fresh. Unfortunately, that’s no longer possible. The mistakes I’ve made are already written in my history. But I also remember a quote that I’ll paraphrase. I’m ashamed of what I’ve done but I am who I am by the grace of God.
2021 was rough to say the least. But, I’m hoping and praying that 2022 is going to be a great year. Not necessarily because better things will happen but because I want to have a relationship wit God again. I know that when we have a relationship with God, all things work together for good. I remember having my worst of days but when I would connect with God, everything would get better. I remember those moments at church when I would feel His Presence at the alter like a refreshing shower. It was unreal but something I desperately miss. I love God, but I know that my actions haven’t shown it.
Remembering and listening to God’s word brings a lot of encouragement and hope to my life. I just need to continue to make the effort to get closer to someone who never even moved to begin with. That’s the issue. We’re the ones that drift away, but God never moves away. It’s like the story of the prodigal son. The son had left, but his father was always home. Hunger and bad living conditions moved the son to go back home one day. When he arrived, his father received him with open arms. The Bible and life experiences tell us that this is God’s own nature towards us. He’s never moved. We’re the disobedient ones. But God is there like the father of the prodigal son, ready to receive us with open arms.
I want to conclude my initial blog post of 2022 by saying that I am not perfect. I am not where I want to be in my spiritual life. But what I do want to say is that I recognize my faults and am not ashamed to share them with you. I’m not a great Christian nor am I a good one. But I have hope that the God of yesterday will be the same God that will help you and me today. Because the Bible says that the God of yesterday is the same God of today and forever. God bless you and I pray that 2022 is full of blessings, good health, and prosperity for you and your loved ones.
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” – Hebrews 13:8
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