Jesus Is The Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever
Unlike Jesus, we humans change every day. Sometimes, we mature through the grace of God and our dependence on Him. Sometimes, we grow in awkward directions because of our sin or lack of discipline in knowing God intimately.
As we approach the end of 2022, I want to encourage you to reflect on God’s faithfulness in your life, even through pain and sin. I know for many that this year was difficult and tiresome. This year may have painfully stretched you beyond what you thought possible. Maybe at some point you even questioned your faith.
In Hebrews 13, we are reminded of the eternal presence of Jesus Christ. Through all of the pain and suffering, He remains. Jesus was faithful in January when we were filled with hope. He was faithful in the midst of the summer heat when we started doubting. And He is faithful now as we await the new beginnings of 2023.
It’s easy to rush into the New Year hoping to leave behind the pain of 2022. But it’s so much more rewarding to reflect on how Jesus was with you in each moment of your deepest and painful days.
That’s the beauty and joy of the Christian life.
“Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick’... For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:12-13, NIV).
Fleeing from the mistakes and pains of this year will only stack up the burden on our shoulders and leave us hurting in our faith.
But by thanking Jesus for our sufferings, we will find freedom, hope, and a stronger faith in Him.
So, friend, try not to rush into the New Year. Your sufferings are not wasted. Good fruits and a greater faith in Jesus are the result.
Thank Him for your growth this year. Even if it’s been painful growth, it has not been wasted, but rather woven in the Father’s glorious purpose. For nothing is ever wasted in His sight.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2-3, NIV).