by Bethany Porter – Friday, January 4, 2013
About two years ago, there I was upon the new year restless in my bed with the thoughts of what had been and what was to come. Then a voice cut through the noise and clutter with its contrary tone and said to me, “Come up higher.” That encounter placed in my mind the desire and the hope that in that year, my relationship with God would be elevated. By the end of that year I stood amazed at the way God had showed himself in new ways and dramatically altered the condition of my heart. Ever since then I have been laying out a simple vision for each year that I believe God has placed in my heart and mind and make that my hope for the year. Near the beginning of last year, I found myself saying “This will be a year of victory.”
I just finished reading all of my old diary and blog posts that I wrote during the year 2012. I can say with the utmost sincerity that it indeed was a year in which by the grace of my Savior and Lord many particular personal obstacles that I had been struggling with for years, or even the ones which were hidden in the dark, were overcome. As I read through my entries I noticed life’s infamous pattern simulating the rising and falling of an amusement park roller coaster. First, I might have a few entries full of torrents of emotions and cries out to God for clarity. Following, God would reveal something to me, whether it was a certain issue that had lain dormant for too long, or a certain revelation that initiated inner transformation. Endurance is a lot different than what I thought it was a year ago.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
James 1:2-3 (NIV)
When I found the question of suffering and trial being brought up in conversation, I found myself being able to answer immediately with the utmost confidence and assurance. What I have learned is that trial and suffering, as they come sometimes out of our control, or even due to our own imperfection, should not be attempted to be skipped or avoided, but seen as an opportunity. It is in the trial that one must notice their dependency on the Perfect One; it is in pain, that one seeks comfort from a Heavenly Father; and it is in confusion that one seeks rest of mind from the Prince of Peace. Trial reminds us that we are not at home on this earth, but look forward and have the blessed hope of being saturated in Christ’s righteousness and perfect love in eternity.
It is not as if I believe this next year will hold less trial and victory as this past year, it may have even more. Christ wants to bring even more victory into my life. As I seek more of the wonders of Christ’s kingdom, victory will begin to appear more frequently in my life because in His kingdom I am already victorious and made righteous. I gain strength in trial from knowing that complete victory is already etched in my future. However, I seek to gain all wisdom and endurance that I can amidst the trial. This revelation of suffering and victory will completely change my communion with God for all the years following this one and especially equip me for those coming tests and trials.
I am excited for this next year, for I am anticipating I will be required to take great leaps of faith as I pursue the dreams and desires that God has placed in my heart. This year, 2013, I deem the year of DREAMS. I challenge all of you reading this to ask God what he wants you to hope for this year, and the vision for 2013 that he is laying on your heart. Even if you receive no definitive answer, God will reveal his faithfulness afresh to you in His own perfect timing, even if not until its end.
Happy New Year!
“Success is counted sweetest
By those who ne'er succeed.
To comprehend a nectar
Requires sorest need.”
–Emily Dickinson from “Success is Counted Sweetest”'
This song, "Take Heart" by Hillsong United from their album Aftermath, I believe is deeply relevant at this time of year. Make this your prayer and hope for this coming year!
Bethany Porter is a freshman at NU majoring in Music Ministry. She is currently involved in the NU PUSH Prayer Team, Choralons, and leads a life group. This “busy bee” spends her free time writing and dreaming big. Follow her on Twitter @bethanne93.
Posted on Friday, January 4, 2013 by Bethany Porter
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