The New Daisy

Why I thrived this year and not just survived.
I'm not writing these words empty, without a humbled mindset or lack of heart or even triumphantly.

 I've got to tell you as I look back at certain circumstances of devastation not inconviences this year, I'm just in awe of a God who got me through two fires. Not literal but fires non tbe less. And my eyes are filling looking back and a certain familiar pause as I reflect as this year ends and a new one is about to begin. 

It started toward the end of May of this year. God and I know what started, and yes a few more do too. Because I asked for people to pray. As I reflect on a few detailed moments that I wouldn't want anyone to ever experience, it's always the same result -pain=sin. Different consequences depending on the type, but sin always spreads and affects others. 

And so I was going into a Summer of devastation. I knew it, didn't want it, had to face it. Having done a Daniel study, I thought a lot about Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, aka Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. I thought about how they had to face so many fires, and the obvious one where they went into a physical one and weren't in there alone. And how they came out physically unharmed, God had brought them out safely. He was in that fire with them and they knew it, they felt it, they saw it.

So, I prayed and I cried a lot. And I asked God to help me to live abundantly through it because He says, "For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:5 NASB)

Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. (Psalm 147:5 ESV)

I went before Him each day and I gave Him my burdens. I look back now and still can't believe all of it happened. And how God brings people to encourage and the studies I did this year that brought me closer to Him, and the powerful image He gave me through my Tabernacle study that I will cherish and just how He works in a way that is so intimate and loving. I didn't always feel this way. I can remember a time where I just felt like I survived period, or felt alone, but this year was different. I wasn't going to allow myself to just get by or make it through. I had faith, and trusted, and spoke out loud God's promises. This year brought devastation, laughter, promises, asking for mighty miracles, for long suffering, for new challenges, new fears, goodbyes, patience, and His love, His joy, His abundant peace.

And the way God works is just moving, so powerful. On Christmas Eve, He gave me a great gift, the very special way He does. A gift of hope and watching His hand in motion, His heart, His guidance, I marvel, I'm speechless, I'm in awe of Him.
And I'm very grateful, so humbled. There is so much to say and not to write.
I just want to encourage anyone, if your circumstances are beyond you, overwhelming or seem hopeless, Ive been there too. And I have to say before you choose any other coping mechanism than prayer, think again. Ask God to help instead. If you have a messed up want to, ask Him to help you with that, ask Him to be your everything.
Why did I thrive this year instead of just survive?

"Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. "(Isaiah 40:31 NASB)

His promises, His love, it was Alll Him.

"He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" (John 7:38 NASB)

May your heart be light, peace and love be yours in abundance.