I am a worrier. Though it is silly, whenever break begins winding down, I find a bit of dread tugging at my heart when I think of moving back to Missouri and dealing with the changes and challenges that each new semester brings. It's hard not to let my mind dwell on missing my family, friends that have moved or dropped out of school between semester and the familiar surroundings of home. It's hard not to rationalize my pity parties and allow my mind to fixate on the negative.
This is the pattern of the world; worry and dread. This is "normal". But it is not the pattern of our King.
I can learn from Paul's life, as he shares how he has "learned to be content in whatever circumstance" (Philippians 4:11). God has already given us everything we need to not only face new seasons but to do so with smiles on our faces. He has empowered us to speak with confidence that we may echo Paul's words, "I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4, 11-13).
When Paul says "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" he speaks in full confidence that because Christ is the Author of his life, no matter what the next day, week, month or year brings, he can be completely assured that God has enabled him to greet each new season gracefully and joyfully.
It is now 2014. Let us greet the changes that the new year brings with joy, for we can trust that our King"is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think" ~ Ephesians 3:20.
