Lessons of 2016 to bring in 2017

2016 has been an extraordinary experience.

At the beginning of the year, God promised to bring about new things (as He always does). As faithful as He is, He did bring in new things, people and experiences. All these are amazing testimonies of His love and faithfulness.

Indeed, lessons in life come in different shapes and sizes. Here are a few that sums the beautiful lessons of 2016, that we can all can carry with us (PS: This is not everything, it will take me forever write this if I wrote everything and some specific details). These lessons will also help us look forward to 2017 with great anticipation that God is God who constantly wants us to grow and mature in our relationship with Him.

LORDSHIP
100% surrender. Lordship is not a one time thing, but a day by day experience of humbling one's self. It is complete, no holding back, an all or nothing decision. Lordship is the total surrender of ALL aspects of our life, not some but ALL. There may be times that we do not realize that some aspects of our lives are not fully surrendered, so let us always ask Jesus to open our eyes. Let us humble ourselves daily and surrender everything at the foot of the Cross.

OBEDIENCE
We obey because we love. We are compelled to obey because of the love of Jesus for us and our love for Jesus. Obedience always bring about blessings, but more than that, obedience brings about experiencing God in a whole different level. Just like Lordship, obedience must be full. Never partial. Always abrupt. Never delayed.

There will come a time that we may not feel like obeying, but at those times, remember that Jesus saw that there was a great inheritance when you obey.

GRATEFULNESS
Having a grateful heart is not exclusive in the good things that is happening in our lives, but gratefulness is fully tested in the bad times. An attitude that we should all carry out in our hearts. Any doubt, fear, and stress may be cured by having a grateful heart. Being grateful is also acknowledging that God is in control of our situation, good or bad, He remains faithful.

We may be tempted to compare or ask for what we do not have at the moment, but remember that the Lord is our Shepherd, we shall not be in want because we have everything that we will ever need-- God Himself.

PURITY
Emotionally. Physically. In Actions & Motives. The Bible says, blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. I've always prayed to see God in all aspects and in every situation. Resolving to be pure is not easy, but it is definitely worth it. Purity is definitely not an overnight transformation, but choice done day by day. Towards Christ likeness is always the goal, and purity is a must. I have not perfected it, but resolving to be pure is always a great choice.

This may not be a popular choice at this time of age, but choose and resolve to be pure for You shall see God.

WAITING PATIENTLY
In times where all you have to do is wait, are the times where you will know if your trust is completely with God. Anxiety will always kick in when we are anticipating for something that is good. And when anxiety gets in its way, we tend to make a god out of ourselves, manipulating people and things just to get what we want. But, no. Everything is beautiful in His time for His will is ALWAYS good, pleasing and perfect.

Whenever we are tempted to skip the process of waiting and we are already being impatient, remember that God Himself is patient. He is patient with you, with all of us. Remember that He will come, He will.

FORGIVENESS
Just like love, forgiveness is a decision. Forgiveness is not only given to others, but to our selves as well. Forgiveness sets us free from the shackles of bitterness and resentment. It frees you more than it frees the other person. Choose to forgive, choose to do so--every single day.

And if we find fault in others or people have offended us, remember how Jesus has forgiven you and I no matter how big our sin is. We are forgiven and free. Forgive an you will be free.

As we anticipate what  2017 has in store for us, let us remember that no matter what we will face, God is God. He will be whatever He ought to be for you in times of crisis. He will be your ever present Help, your great Provider, your Prince of Peace and more. All it takes is to trust God and have a faith that knows that He is sovereign over all.

Let us continue growing in our relationship with God and with the people around us. 2016 has been a great journey! Looking forward for you, 2017! Excited to get to know you more on 2017, God!