davidbowerkingwood

It Appears We May Have Survived 2012

Although 2012 has a few more days to destroy the world it appears reasonable to conclude most of us will survive all the calamities that were being contemplated. I’m reminded yet again of Mark Twain’s comment on life which says something like this; “During the course of my life I have suffered many things, most of which never happened.” While it is true that a few opportunistic producers of movies and such may have made money, the rest of us lived our lives as if nothing would happen and what do you know, we may have been right.

 You can count on 2013 having its full share of calamities waiting in the wings. The solar disturbances that threaten our electrical and electronic systems are now projected for the middle of 2013. An article from NASA tells us, “Increased numbers of flares are quite common at the moment, since the sun’s normal 11-year activity cycle is ramping up toward solar maximum, which is expected in 2013.” This will be the solar maximum of “Solar Cycle 24” which began in 2008 and, as usual, is subject to two widely varying interpretations; one says it will not be consequential and one says it will; time will tell.

If that were not enough there are a number of political and economic perils that threaten life changing events like the infamous “Fiscal Cliff” that we’re all expected to fall over on January 1st if our government doesn’t do a better job of getting its act together. I don’t know who is making money on that one but you can take it to the bank someone is. In addition to that problem we also have the ongoing threat of warfare in the Middle East; it seems as if the sabers never stop rattling in that part of the world.

On balance then it looks as if 2013 will have a number of similarities to 2012 and while it is true that something serious could happen it may well wind up in December of 2013 we’ll be looking back on a year similar to 2012; only the Lord knows for sure.

How Should We Approach 2013?

As Christians we really don’t have to wonder about that, do we? The Bible is filled with directions for God’s children on how they should view the future whether it’s a day or a year. I delight in the thought that my times are in God’s hands; I can’t think of a better place for them to be, can you? Whatever tomorrow or any tomorrow after that may bring I know I can count on God’s faithfulness to me in all things. Romans 8:28 continues to work and apply every moment of every day. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

This is no more than the tip of a gigantic iceberg of promises to the child of God; the one I like best is Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” What a beautiful thought to know and live out that truth in one’s life; it hasn’t been about David since he was a child; it’s about the Savior that loves him and gave Himself for him and in whom he rejoices!

I am curious, from time to time, about what Jesus has planned for His life in the body He shares with me; I know that is His choice not mine, I just need to resist trying to be a backseat driver. When the time comes He will reveal His plans to me and all I need do is to trust in Him with all my heart and not try to understand what is happening and why it is happening the way it is; this is the life of faith and the only way to please Him.

I hasten to add this is not a unique experience for me but is the plan God has for everyone of us who love Him as Savior. I encourage you to live a life of faith in 2013 for without faith it is impossible to please Him. I encourage you to not be fearful as you can count on God’s faithfulness to you in all things and also important, I encourage you to rejoice in Him always.

In 2013 May You Lose Yourself in Christ!