But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. —John 16:13 ( NIV)
The first day of the new year began with a spectacular sunrise, bright oranges and pinks peeking out over the leafless trees in our front yard, enticing us out of our fire-warmed house, with cocoa in hand, to enjoy the view. It ended with a trip to the hospital. My daredevil of an eight-year-old son, Joey, crashed his bike, resulting in a dislocated jaw and several cuts that needed stitches.
My heart was worn out, done with the new and craving the comfort of the old. I sat in that doctor’s office and silently fumed. The year had started so beautifully, only to disintegrate in an instant, into a mess of pain and fear.
Unbidden, a verse I had memorized long ago rushed into my mind: “Remain in me, as I also remain in you . . . [and together we] will bear much fruit” (John 15:4–5, NIV). I took a deep breath and looked at my son, battered and bruised but okay.
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“I’m ready, Lord. Bring on the new year,” I whispered, knowing that the new year would certainly bring spectacular sunrises full of color and promise, but it also would bring terrible crashes, moments of tremendous pain and desperate sorrow, times when I would have no choice but to wonder how to take another step forward.
Through it all, I have no choice but to choose—intentionally, wholeheartedly, and lovingly—to abide in God. Because together we are going to bear much fruit.
Lord, reveal Yourself to me this year through the good and the bad. Amen.
