New year, new resolutions. Some achieved, some dragged into the next year, some forgotten the moment when the world seems to throw unexpected lemons along the way. I, personally, do not make resolutions but I have had two very different past two birthdays. (As my birthday is close to the new year, I consider that it is safe to say that what I received for my new age is also what applies for the entire new year). Since young, I've always imagined the heavens remembering my birthday and prayed for God to grant me what He desired to.
When I turned 21 last year on 28th Dec 2011, God showed me that He was going to take me on a journey of restoration from my past throughout the year and that was His gift to me. I thought it was a pretty good deal and the word "tough" did not occur to me in the first place. I signed the deal and the entire 2012 was set on being set free on a personal note and...it was TOUGH. I think this was the most emotionally draining year of my life to date. But at every point when I thought I could not carry on, God came and set my feet upon the rock. I found strength renewed each time He came to my rescue.
When reaching my 22nd birthday this year (2012), I remember that the question "What do you want for your birthday this year?" kept ringing in my heart for a couple of weeks. I could not think of what I really wanted at those times but I suddenly became aware of it when my best friend, Joanne, when praying for me, asked me the same question without knowing that the same question had been burning in my heart. See, I've been waiting on God for something for close to 5 years now. And that something, I perceive as the turning point of my life. I remember receiving this revelation from God somewhere in the middle of this year - "I am not a God who just makes promises, I am going to show you that I am a God who also keeps My promises."
That's something we so easily forget! I remember seeing a rainbow two days before my birthday this year and I love rainbows because it reminds me of a promise-keeping God. So, I decided to seal the deal and set my heart on receiving His promises in this new year. And with that, came a challenge yesterday. In Hebrews 12:1, the Bible says that "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." I cannot receive those promises if my heart is still finding focus in matters than really do not matter to God. I was challenged to let go of my baggage (filled with my burdens, my secret sins, my concerns) and take God's hand alone this time.
When tomorrow comes and 2013 arrives, that baggage should no longer exists in my heart. I've decided and settled to walk completely by faith in holding God's hand alone and nothing else. My mom texted me on my birthday and told me "This year is going to be special for you as God is going to reveal His plans for you. Be alert - watch and listen." And in being alert, I cannot have my baggage around. I am waiting for the waves that God has prepared for me in 2013 and I aim to ride them well. I may not have a resolution for 2013 but I know what my hopes are and where they are laid - in a promise-keeping God. It is my prayer that you too will find what God aims for you to find this new year. Happy New Year 2013! =)
May. =)
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