New Beginnings

By: Tera Ertz

Hurricane Sandy 2012 (Photo credit: charliekwalker)

Happy New Year! As I sit sipping coffee this last night of 2012, and reading all the lovely well wishes scrolling across my wall, I am hearing God whisper in the back of my mind. This year has seen heart ache and tragedy, disaster, anger, and frustration. There has been strife between friends over politics, frustration over the state of the world, and fear over the loss of jobs and homes. It has been an intense year this year, and many have felt discouraged.

But there has been something else this year as well. There has been God. I have seen Him in the growing number of prayers that fill my wall, the multiple daily Bible verses that come from folks all over each morning. I have seen Him in the support that poured out for those affected by hurricane Sandy, and in the support that poured out for those in CO and CT that have suffered so much loss. I have seen Him in the growth of our church, in the huge turn out in little Ball Ground for the Faith and Freedom Festival this past summer. I have seen Him in the people who come to Him to lay down their troubles and fears, and in those who are guided by Him to meet those needs that have been laid down. I see Him right here, right now, as relationships grow, bonds form, prayers are lifted, and the fellowship of His church grows more and more each day.

Comfort (Photo credit: clumsy_jim)

All of this reminded me of a sermon our pastor Jared gave several months ago. I don’t remember the sermon, or when it was given, but I do remember one specific line. “Being a Christian isn’t about being comfortable.” He’s right, it’s not. I rarely see God when things are comfortable. And I am discovering that being a Christian is all about following Jesus out to the places where God is the only power that will keep you afloat. So, I have a wish for all of you this coming year, as we reflect on what is past and plan for what’s to come.

Ivan Aivazovsky’s painting Walking on Water (1888) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

May this year be uncomfortable for you. May you decide to take the steps and make the decisions that will take you out into the unknown where God is calling you. May each encounter you have be filled with the tingle of anticipation as you share the wonder of Christ with all you meet. May you faith grow strong in the testing. May your peace be solid in the rock of Jesus Christ as you stand in the middle of the storm. May you stand for what is right, may you follow where He leads, and may your life shine as you reflect the absolute glory of God. It won’t be comfortable, but comfort is over-rated. You will see God though, and in that you can be assured it will be a Happy New Year. Be blessed and be a blessing my friends.