Our hill of 2008

On New Year's Eve each year, I always think back on the previous year and the things that occurred. Then, I always wonder what the new year will bring. I remember one year at Christmas my dad talking with us about HOW BLESSED we as a family were during that year. No deaths...no major illnesses/accidents...no catastrophes, etc.. He wasn't saying that everything had been perfect, but he was wanting us to see God's abundant blessing and hand of protection on our family. Ever since then, it always makes me think, "What will this year have in store for us?" Never in my wildest dreams did I think our 2008 would look like this! However, I believe we will still be able to say come Dec. 31st...."Even though we DID experience a major trial this year, look at God's abundant blessing and hand of protection on our family!"


The land you are...to take possession of is a land of mountains and valleys that drinks rain from heaven. It is a land the LORD your God cares for; the eyes of the LORD your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end. (Deuteronomy 11:11-12)


Yet the land we are to possess is a land of valleys and hills. It is not all flat or downhill. If life were always smooth and level, the boring sameness would weigh us down. We need the valleys and the hills. The hills collect the rain for hundreds of fruitful valleys. And so it is with us! It is the difficulty encountered on the hills that drives us to the throne of grace and brings the showers of blessing. Yes, it is the hills, the cold and seemingly barren hills of life that we question and complain about, that bring down the showers. How many people have perished in the wilderness valley, buried under its golden sand, who would have thrived in the hills? And how many would have been killed by the cold, destroyed or swept desolate of their fruitfulness by the wind, if not for the hills - stern, hard, rugged, and so steep to climb? God's hills are a gracious protection for His people against their foes! We cannot see what loss, sorrow, and trials are accomplishing. We need only to trust (Streams in the Desert)


I don't know what your 2008 has looked like thus far. It may be one of abundant blessing and fruitfulness. However, like ours....you may be struggling to climb your own "hill." We each have them, and if you have not experienced a steep one yet....get ready! James tells us "whenever you face trials of many kinds....." That means we ALL as Christians will face difficult times. That verse goes on to say, "...perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4) I believe there is ALWAYS a reason behind the pain! If we can just persevere through it, God promises to use that trial to strengthen us, to mature us.....and ultimately "complete us."

Thank you God for "our hill of 2008!!" We may never fully see how You used this in our lives and the lives of others....but we are so grateful to You for carrying us over it. Continue to be glorified!!!!!!!


Don't let us forget................................!