As we leave 2021 and enter 2022, it is good to look back, to give thanks to Father God for keeping us, and to take note of what we would like to improve in the coming year.
The past two years have presented many challenges regarding living with this coronavirus, and perhaps you have even lost loved ones who succumbed to this illness, but take courage, Christ is still with us, and He will accompany us into the difficult, deep times too.
In Luke 5 we read how Jesus sat in Peter’s boat as He taught a crowd of people. Afterwards Jesus commanded Peter, “Put out into the deep (water) and lower your nets for a haul (of fish.)” [Luke 5:4] What deep waters are we willing to go into for Jesus?
“Peter replied, ‘Master, we’ve toiled all night and caught nothing, but BECAUSE You say so, I will lower my nets AGAIN…” (v 5) Are we ready to try something AGAIN, to forgive those who have hurt us, again, to evangelize others again even if we feel we’ve not succeeded in the past? When Peter obeyed Jesus, his nets and boat overflowed with so many fish that he had to ask his friends to bring another boat alongside his to help him with this great catch of food. Blessings always follow obedience!
When Peter experienced this miracle, he also recognized his own sins and Who Jesus really was. Do we recognize who we are and Who Christ is in our lives, that He desires only the very best for us? He can see into the future, into 2022 and He knows what lies ahead. We can trust Him fully.
Jeremiah 17:7 + 8 say, “Blessed is the man/woman who trusts in the Lord, whose trust IS the Lord. He/she is like a tree planted by the water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green and it is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease/stop to bear fruit.”
Precious Lord Jesus, thank You that you have walked with me during these past years. Thank You that I can trust You to be with me during this coming year with all its hidden trials and victories. Help my faith not to falter but to remain firm and strong in the event of any hardships I might face. Please help me to always bear good fruit even during barren seasons and to remain trustworthy and devoted to You in all issues that might face me. I love You. Amen
Myrtle Turunen