HAPPY NEW YEAR!
[Potomac WIM Connection - January 2009]
Do you, like me, cringe from setting new goals for a new year? The past is littered with wonderful plans that failed in the execution. Aiming at nothing means you will certainly hit it, however, the pain of failure leaves you paralyzed when considering yet another set of unattainable expectations. Perhaps the old year was difficult or even tragic. You are glad to see a new year but afraid to hope much for better times. Don’t let past disappointments rob you of hope for the New Year. Let the words of Jesus encourage your heart.
The disciples traveling on the road to Emmas were facing a “new year” short on positive expectations. “But we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel…” (Luke 24:21 NIV), they explained in sorrow to the stranger who joined their journey, faces ashen, matching their expectations. With all hope gone, they did not even recognize the Savior as He spoke hope into their situation.
Jesus’ words to those disciples offer us hope we face the dis-appointment of failed plans and unrealized expectations. Listen as He redefines their situation:
• Do not be slow of heart to believe.
• God always has a plan.
• Be quick to invite Jesus to stay
“How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe…” Luke 24:25. Do not turn a deaf ear to His gentle chiding. Do not be slow of heart to believe the scriptures. God is with you. He has not abandoned you. The rubble of your plans makes the dramatic background for His strength to be made perfect in your weakness. (II Cor) Believe the God’s Word.
“Did not the Christ have to suffer these things…” (Luke 24:26) Like me, the disciples did not want to hear suffering and death were part of the plan. Jesus had told them outright of His impending suffering. They just refused to hear it. Convinced our plans are from God, we face acute disappointment when those plans lay in shambles. But God does have a plan. Like Jesus, do we not have to suffer these things and “then enter his glory?” Yes, in all things God is at work for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose. (I Cor) Trust God. He has a plan.
“Jesus acted as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, ‘Stay with us…’” Disappointments can cause us to shut others out. We pull into our sorrow, consumed by depressive feelings. The disciples did not yet recognize Jesus, but their hearts “burned within them.” Opening their home (and hearts) to Jesus opened their lives to blessing and insight. “He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened …” (Luke 24: 30 & 31) Intimate fellowship with Jesus warms us with hope. Though their hopes for political redemption remained unrealized, Jesus gave them so much more. He redeemed them, establishing the Kingdom of God in their hearts. Do not shut out Jesus or those who speak into your life on His behalf. Opening your heart to His fellowship realigns your heart with His Kingdom. Open your heart.
So as you look at a new year, go ahead, set those goals remembering to believe God’s Word, trust His plan and open your heart.
1 commentGreat Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference
Writing Contest Winner
Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference
August, 2007
Prose Contest for Unpublished Writers
Always Pray and Never Give Up!
“Men (and women) should always pray and never give up” (Luke 18:1, NIV).
“That woman!” Judge Rockwell Steele fumed as he headed back to the courthouse after another run in with Mrs. Ima Sue Kneady. “She’s everywhere!”
He could still hear her chirping,“Yoo hoo, Judge Steele., You know, sir, my apartment heater is still broken. It’s not right a woman my age should have no heat in the winter. Won’t you speak to those nice men down at the Cheete Brothers office about this?”
I’m at the end of my patience. She always seems to find me and every time she needles me about her problems. Didn’t I dismiss her case?
He had indeed dismissed Widow Kneady’s case against the Cheete Brothers Management Company months ago. While the complaint had some substance, Judge Steele cared more for maintaining a profitable relationship with the Cheete Brothers than the needs of the poor folks in low-income housing.
Enough! I’m worn down with her endless appeals. Nothing is worth this irritation. Judge Steele picked up the phone to resolved Widow Kneadys’ problem.
The Unjust Judge and the Persistent Widow
This modern-day parable comes from a story Jesus tells in Luke 18. He tells the story of the unjust judge and the persistent widow so that “men will always pray and never give up.”(Luke 18:1, NIV) Here Jesus contrasts the judge, who neither fears God, nor regards man, with God who has great regard for His own elect and who will avenge them speedily. (Luke 18:1-8)
In this story, the widow persistently seeks justice from an unjust judge. Since God is not unjust, one might wonder why we must be persistent. Jesus does not address the “why” question. Instead, He assures us God will bear along with us and act speedily on our behalf. Therefore, we should always pray and never give up.
Are you discouraged because you have been praying about a matter for a long time? Does it feel like your cause is hopeless? When the answer tarries, our faith is challenged and we must examine our view the God. Is He like the unjust judge who must be cajoled with our many words until he grows weary of our petitions and therefore answers our prayer? Or is He, as Jesus describes Him, the One who bears long with His elect and will avenge them speedily?
The story of the persistent widow ends with a probing question, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” When we always pray and never give up, we demonstrate our faith in Him.
So, whatever your cause, “always pray and never give up.”
Oh, Jesus,
When it seems my pleas are unrequited, help me to remember your promise to bear along with me. Remind me that you do avenge my cause speedily. Don’t let me forget that you are looking for faith. I do believe. Help me to always pray and never give up.
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This article was originally published in MAG Womens Connection online devotionals.
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