On my birthday, Andrew asked me what my goal was for the upcoming year. A goal. That when I reach the end of my 23rd year of life, Lord willing, I will look back and be pleased to have accomplished. All I could think of though was not something I could necessarily accomplish, but rather someone I want to become: a woman of deep, abiding, surviving PEACE.
So on March 10, 2012 I petitioned with the Lord to become His woman, the mother of His child/children, His bride, His daughter, His sister of residing PEACE.
And since March 10, 2012 (and before as well) Satan has been putting on the heat to combat my goal. But praise the Lord, for in his attempt to bring me to failure I will be strengthened by my God evermore to be the woman I desire to be! Satan's attempt to destroy my peace will bring God glory evermore by strengthening me in his joy and peace beyond whatever discouragement might confront me. I am the Lords and He is mine. Always.
"I lean not on my own understanding; my life is in the hands of the Maker of heaven. I give it all to you God, trusting that you'll make something beautiful out of me!
I will climb this mountain with my hands wide open." -Will Regan
Andrew and I started reading Job just last night and I look forward to be encouraged by his life story. Just in the first chapter, I marvel at Job and aspire to be the same way: fully contented in the Lord and knowing that all that I have has been given to me by my Maker. All that can be taken away, and yet I will praise Him come what may. In the joys and in the sorrows, I will worship for I am abundantly blessed in His presence all the days of my life. I will worship. And rest in peace in the arms of my Father.
This may not only be a one year goal as I hope and believe peace will deepen and grow throughout my life, but I do know that this year God is calling me especially for a season of peace. Of peace and intimate prayer and meditation where I will be able to trust more fully in him as I will more fully KNOW who he is, how he moves and the deep love and joy of his heart. I want this to be a legacy for my brothers, sisters, children, mothers and fathers--biologically and spiritually!
Please pray for my year to come! And may God bring you deeper into his peace and his heart as well. May we infect the world with the peace of God which surpasses all understanding--that we may always, constantly worship and rest in a world filled with turmoil and stress. Praise him for his peace.
