The Year 2022 is new and yet, as we start this new year, we still have old battles that we are facing. The state of our times have been described as a swirl. There are so many realities today that are in question. It is a very challenging time to lead anyone or anything.
As we look at the future of our ministry in Kenya (Kings Kids Village) it is difficult to ask the right questions, let alone, make the right decisions. I have not experienced anything like this in my lifetime. Perhaps our generations living today lack the perspective of our parents who lived through tumultuous times in the early to mid 1900’s. I think it may be a mix of that and the fact that what is happening now is unprecedented.
As we seek to carry out the mandate set before us as Encouragers Unlimited, a few things remain certain that will take us through everything we have yet to experience.
1. Jesus is with us. ‘teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”’ Matthew 28:20… The knowledge that Immanuel has been at the center of our existence since He lived on this earth is very stabilizing to me every day. In this world where loneliness is a bigger issue than ever, His presence and the promise of His presence makes all the difference in how we look down the road, questions we ask and how we plan in the middle of foggy situations.
2. His voice is as clear as ever and we remain the sheep of His pasture. ‘When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. ‘ John 10:4. If you know the Lord as Lord and Savior, you know His voice as well. One of my dad’s favorite sayings was “I know Jesus is alive. I just spoke to Him this morning.” We know that many voices speak to us in our inner person every day. As I concentrate on seeking Jesus though reading His Word and following Him, I can distinguish His voice from the others. His word is always accompanied by His peace.
3. His power is able to keep us and propel us to fulfill His Commission. ‘After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”’ Genesis 15:1. In this world of dangers and opposition at so many levels, it is wonderful to have a place to hide. I’m talking about a place of peace where my thoughts away from the swirl. Thank God for His abiding rest and cover.
4. He is the reward… I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward. “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus Name.” The words to this old hymn are on my lips a lot these days. I am undone by the fact that I already possess the greatest thing I will ever hope to have in life and eternity. I have the pearl of great price; the fairest of 10,000, the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valley, the bright and morning star. I have dreams and those dreams scare me and keep me up at night and all, but even if none of them get fulfilled in the way I think they should or will, I have the blessed Hope. I have the reward of all rewards. Nothing Jesus will ever give me will compare to the gift of Himself. For that, I am grateful and know that life is worth living for.
So, in the middle of so many uncertainties, I can say with all my heart and mind, that all is well with my soul. Somethings never change and I make it my main ambition in life to keep those certainties at the center of all I say and do in 2022. Happy 2022.
