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The Finish Line

    In a few short hours, 2014 will be over and gone. That means that this is my final post for my year-long devotional "series." As many of you know, I committed to writing a devotion each day of this last year. I am happy to say that I have succeeded in doing so! Instead of writing like I usually do today, I have decided to reflect on what I've learned through this experience.

    The biggest challenge of writing was not staying committed to such a daunting task nor was it finding the time every day, but rather, coming up with the topics. It really challenged my faith. I had to rely on Jesus to lay a topic on my heart and have the faith to believe that He would continue to do it again and again. And on top of that, I had to be focused on Him enough to hear the Holy Spirit's whispering. It may not sound like it would be that difficult, but it proved to be really testing of my relationship with Jesus and in the end it exponentially strengthened it.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (NIV)

    The second large lesson I took away from this whole thing was to remain steadfast in my commitment to the Lord. I believe being "all-in" for Jesus is a result of drawing near to Him. When we do so, we are changed to be more like Him. It is a fruit of the Spirit to be faithful to Him like He is faithful to us. I could not have endured this entire year without the power of His Spirit at work in me.

Galatians 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (ESV)


     I want to thank every person who has taken the time to read even just one of my posts this year. Your support means a lot to me. I especially want to thank those of you who have encouraged me along the way. I don't think I could have done it without the encouragement of my brothers and sisters in Christ to carry me to the finish line. Thank you for sharing in this part of my journey with me. As for 2015, I am sure that I will continue to write occasionally, but it will not be every day. I pray that your 2015 is filled with many blessings and a whole lot of Jesus! Happy New Year!


 Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (NIV)

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