The Village Smithy: Compelled to write today

Happy New Year! It is 2012. WOW. The number seems so 'science fiction' - could be that we grew up in a generation that looked in fascination to a year way in the distance and a book entitled 1984 by George Orwell. But then it came. And went. And many more were added. Each year with its own trials and triumphs.

The title describes my feelings today. Just gotta write today. I am so glad this year began on a Sunday. It seemed just so fitting to go to church this morning and to share communion with our families in intimate little circles. I was overwhelmed at the depth of spiritual desire in the many shared prayers of just common believers and friends. I felt like we are all becoming finely shaped containers to pour out our portion of GOD's awesome grace and mercy to a dry and oh, so thirsty world. We can do this - give a cup of cold water in His name. Yes, we can do this. With His help.

I felt so aware that this coming year will have considerable challenges and even disappointment; but more striking was the realization that we are royalty and that the King has serious plans and desires for each of our journeys this year.

We go through circumstance, we are not under it. Circumstance does not define us, GOD's description of who we are IN HIM is the very essence of what we are here for.

Years ago, in a bible study going through Romans, I asked our pastor, younger than me, why GOD didn't just zap us to Heaven the day we made the choice to live in the way He had selected for us, repenting of going our own stupid direction with all the wrongness and yes, sin of that way of life. I cannot remember the pastor's reply.

Today, I am so glad that while I do not know the number of days I will have, where my journey will take me or even how I will see things in my life, THIS ONE THING I KNOW. It can be found in a question Jesus asked His disciples about where they put their trust. Look at:

John 6:68-69 (NLT)Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” ⁶⁸ Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. ⁶⁹We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.

You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know.

These are powerful words, words that would bring a life-change and a life-cost that only some were willing to pay. I don't claim to understand the life journeys of others, some seem over-the-top too difficult and others seem like they are walking along a beach. This one thing I know. GOD asked me if I would stay faithful. I replied "Yes, I must finish the race. I must finish well." I cannot do that in my own strength, not even close. but in the same passage mentioned above Jesus tells that it is the Father who gave the gift of the Son and He is the One that draws us. Our part is to choose, to continue to choose, to never, never quit, to keep getting back up when life knocks us down. But mostly to remember there is a hand outstretched to us to keep us going.

It will all be worth it. The tests become our testimonies.

We know, we believe, we trust, we know GOD loves us!