“I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.”- Psalm 57:9-11
As another year comes to a close, I look back and think over everything that has happened in my life this year. God has taught me so much. He has shown me what it means to completely depend on Him for everything. He has broken me. He has filled me back up. He has taught me what it means to truly be loved by other people and how important it is to be surrounded by those who lift you up on a daily basis. He has proven that when we reach our limit, He will show up in ways that only He can. He taught me what it means to truly follow Him. I don’t even think that I can fully comprehend all that God has taught me this year. It almost doesn’t seem real.
I started the year off living in the place I had lived for the past three years not knowing what was going to come next. I was working at a job every day that was not fulfilling the purpose that God had for my life. I knew God was with me, but I didn’t know what was going to come next. That was hard for me. I shed tears for the life that I knew God wanted me to have, but I didn’t know how to reach it. I yearned to know Him more and the freedom that only He could give me in this life. My faith was put to the test. My love for Him was even put to the test at times, but through it all I knew He was there. A friend once told me that when it seems like God is nowhere to be found that is when He was working the most. I have seen this first hand this year. When I thought I was all alone, that is when He would show His amazing faithfulness.
I found myself moving to a place I knew nothing about and where I knew no one. I was all alone, but I had God. He was with me the first week after the move when it finally set in that I had left everything I knew. He has been with me on those days when I felt like I didn’t know what I was doing or how this new life was going to work. He was there. I look back and His faithfulness brings tears to my eyes and overwhelms my spirit. He has allowed me to finally see a glimpse of my purpose in this life. He has given me a comfortable place to live with an amazing roommate and friend. He has surrounded me with co-workers that are not just people I have to work with, but instead a family which exemplifies the true definition of “the church.” He has provided me with an amazing home church that is a constant support to me. He has shown me who my real friends are and how important they are even though many are miles away. He has allowed me to love a generation of young people who are sold out for Him and realize a heart within me that yearns for the nations. I am truly in awe of His grace and faithfulness in my life. To have the opportunity to give everything I have to the one who gave His life for me is the greatest thing I could have ever asked for.
As I look back, I try to take it all in, but I am still realizing all that He has for my life. As this next year approaches, I am moved with the motivation to be intentional in how I serve Him on a daily basis. I want to make the most of every second I have. I don’t want to just look to the next thing. I want to make the most of my life right now. I don’t know all that 2008 holds, but I know it holds amazing things, because God is going to continue to mold me into the person He wants me to be for Him. This week my aunt made the following comment and it is still impacting me as I think about it even now. She said: “Caroline, what is happening in your life? You seem so happy and are practically glowing. What is going on?” When she said this I was somewhat taken aback because I didn’t feel like I looked any different. But when I really started to think about it I realized that this was the first time in awhile that I finally felt “alive.” I am finally living in the freedom that only God can give, and it is a wonderful thing. What a difference it makes to live this way holding nothing back. May I never try to live my life apart from Him and what He wants for me. I pray I never hold back an ounce of love that can be given to someone in need and may I always see people with God’s heart.
Thank you to everyone who has been such an encouragement to me this year. I know that God has placed each one of you in my life on purpose, and you have been more of a blessing than you will ever know. I hope you will continue to follow this ministry over the next year, as my heart can only fathom all that God has in store. May He get the glory for absolutely everything! May He bless each person reading this now and throughout the New Year! I love you all so much!
For His Glory,
Caroline 🙂
Ps. 56:3
This thrills my heart! I love you so much and I’m so glad God brought you to exactly where you are right now that I get to have you as my co-worker, fabulous roommate, and dear friend. I’m so thankful I get to go through life with you. You are a blessing! I love you!
I’m glad you’re feelin’ “Alive”! Hurry home! Love ya!
Hey Caroline!
Your reminder reflects so much of what God has done for me this year. My unsaved doctor said almost the same thing to me, “You look so happy – you are glowing. When I first met you, you seemed to be wearing a mask.” Even though the year has been full of pain, it has also been full of God’s grace and His love. He’s brought me to a place where I want to stayI never want to be the old me again!! I look forward to seeing more of your story unfold in 2008! Love ya!
What a blessing you are! I am so grateful that you are truly happy in what you are doing! Selfless and loving! God bless, Ashley (Proverbs 31)
its bin nice going through such an xperience,God has taught me through your text how to depend and trust in him so much. despite what is hapenning in kenya we are really praying that everything comes to normal.God bless.