The new year is almost two weeks old now, but I’m still drawn to think about 2007. I’m so thankful for the many people that are in our lives, those who run alongside us and those who are running in other places. I’m thinking of individuals who have sincerely inspired my faith in 2007, some shaking off years of religious routine and bondage and embracing deep hunger for Jesus. Others pursuing new paths and finding new life when the leap was almost insurmountable at first. Some have moved into levels of hearing the voice of the Lord that would’ve seemed almost impossible even one year ago, others have found their own faith for the very first time. Most have touched new depths, and though that means greater challenges, are beginning to see the path to walk illuminated in front of them.

There were weddings and funerals, engagements and people moving on, a continual reminder of the fluidity of life and the constancy of change. As I get older, I am more and more amazed at the Lord’s ability to lead so many people in such a fallen world over so many generations. Unmoved, he keeps the end in mind and works tirelessly to pursue the hearts of men and women all over the world regardless of religion, race, or past. He truly is removing everything that hinders love, in love, without ripping things away from us too soon, but just enough to move our heart toward him bit by bit, little by little, time after time. He is gracious, compassionate, unchanging.

I wanted to write down individual names here, listing specific things I’m thankful to see in each one, but then decided not to in fear of offense in leaving someone out. The truth is, there is a war going on. A deep war that’s main front is to keep people from seeing the war. If it can do that, then the war will be won. However, I can see a multitude of people waking more and more to reality, seeing the Kingdom breaking in violently, and pursuing the King day by day, more and more for clearer vision. I want to encourage everyone reading this to make 2008 about nothing less, to see Jesus clearer more and more as He is. Even greater than we assume Him to be, think Him to be, expect Him to be, or doubt Him to be, but as He truly is, revealed in the scriptures by the Holy Spirit and unveiled in the natural and spiritual world all around us.

Nothing defeats darkness like light, nothing defeats doubt like faith, nothing destroys rejection like God’s loving freedom. This world is pulling people in through glamour, lights, and promises, and swallowing them whole in a pit of pain, rejection, and emptiness. Sin is such a horrible covering for our brokenness and insecurity, for not only does it lie to us, but it shields our eyes from reality and makes us think we are eating like kings in a pigsty. Wearing leaves is still silly, but we are daily tempted to don them.

Lord, may we be clothed with you as we see you more clearly in 2008. May your name and your renown be the desire of our souls. Amen.