The year 2024 was a time of disruption - socially, politically, physically, and spiritually. This year, I got caught up in things that I didn't realize could both capture and waste my time. I felt disconnected from my Source at times, but He was always there and faithful.
Socially, I sometimes felt disengaged from the Body of Christ. The lingering effects of COVID isolation continued to change the landscape of opportunities within the Church. As I saw myself and others wandering away, I longed for someone to come after the one sheep. Thank goodness, Jesus didn't let me go. Despite the fact that we need each other, trying to find common ground and sometimes uncommon ground with Generation Z, Millennials, and Generation X was challenging, especially in the workplace. The Bible says that in the last days the love of many will grow cold - meaning that our love and care for others will diminish. We must continue to pursue love across generations, cultures, and economics.
The political rhetoric of 2024 disturbed my spirit immensely - it was the worst of times. Although I endorsed love and compassion over hate and lies, I felt the great divide of the country as indicated by the outcome of 49.9% verses 48.4%. Ultimately, I accepted God's sovereignty - for He is definitely in control. Perhaps we'll learn one day what was averted by allowing that slim majority its desires. Regardless, we are called to pray....and pray we will for all in governmental authority.
Clinging to Jehovah Rapha - the Healer - was a big part of the year. I had to accept that His ways are not always my ways and continue to trust Him for the outcome. It was a rocky road of new terrain as I did things I didn't want to do. Battling fatigue, I accepted that rest was okay. When I finally stopped fighting the process and adapted some new practices, I was able to receive a good report. The journey isn't over, but God is an ever-present help in the time of need. Presented with God's warnings, we can be aware of the changes we need to make in the future.
Spiritually, God brought me through a new level of warfare. You know, the kind you thought you had conquered and was no longer susceptible to in your sanctified state of mind. It was a battle with an injustice twice over that quickly turned to anger and poised itself to spill over into bitterness and hate. The result I knew would be separation from God and torment. The struggle was intense, but God was faithful and prevailed. In Romans 8:38-39 it says, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of Christ Jesus, our LORD." I am so grateful for a Savior that won't let me go and can pull me through the most difficult of times.
While 2024 was challenging, I'll admit it wasn't all bad. God helped me to push pass fears and gave me some new adventures. He took me to places I had never been; I met new people. I was blessed, protected, and provided for in 2024. In the end, I got reconnected with my Source and His Word. I'm still in pursuit of Him - a closer walk, more spirit-filled encounters, more listening, more seeing, and more or His presence. Yes, I asked for more in 2024 and while it came wrapped in a different package than I imagined, God is faithful. I am still in AWE of Him!
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