Year of Favor

The beginning of the new year causes me to ponder and reflect the year that has passed.

The year 2011 was filled with pain and sorrow and blessings and growth, a bitter-sweet combination that produces many new lessons.

The passing of my grandfathers rocked my familiar world and left me with intense grief and a loss of self. I was shocked and devastated to lose two strong men who had become heroes and role models in my life.

Obstacles continued to follow as my health worsened to the point of hospitalization. But a major blessing came out of the second hospital stay, I had been in constant pain for three years and the doctors never knew what the cause was but they finally had the answers. God is so faithful and good and always provides things in His perfect timing. For the first time in years my stomach is pain free. It is truly a gift from God.

As the year went on I began to search for an apartment of my own and when the time was just about up He provided a place that is perfect for me and provides serenity. He also presented an opportunity for me to work at the insurance agency that I had worked at before and it once again was the perfect fit. He truly amazes me.

I'm not sure what His plans entail for the next steps of my life but I trust that He will lead me to where I need to go. His plans are always to prosper and grow us, never to harm. His love is everlasting and abounds more and more each day. Trust Him completely and give Him control. He will turn our suffering into gladness and use His wonderful redemption to bring us to solid ground.

Isaiah 61:1-3 The Year of the Lord's Favor

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,

because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor

and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn,

and provide for those who grieve in Zion--

to bestow on them a crown of beauty

instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

The will be called oaks of righteousness,

a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."

This is the year of the Lord's favor. Go and live for Him.