We are just days away from the end of another year of our time together on this earth. It is a good time for reflections, and so I want to share with you some of the spiritual lessons the past twelve months have brought to me. I am not the same person I was when 2021 began. I have learned much this year.
I have learned more about living close to God and becoming His friend. A few years ago I purchased the one book, other than the Bible, which has impacted my relationship to God most. It is entitled Becoming God’s Friend, written by my son, Jonathan. It is a study of the maturing faith of Abraham, who near the end of his life learns to live as the friend of God (Jas. 2:23). After reading it, I vowed that I would become, as much I could, a friend of God.
This year, I have read that book through twice, and my faith in God’s providence grows. God’s friend long ago told his son that “God would provide” (Gen. 22:8), and I am learning how to live closer to my Friend who provides for me.
I have learned more about God’s desire to answer my prayers. Opportunities for aging preachers diminish in number, but more than a thousand times I have asked my Friend to open doors before me. I have been amazed at how many invitations to preach I have received. I asked Him so often to help me find people to teach, and in so many remarkable ways people have been brought into my life. The more I ask, the more He has given to me.
I have learned more about the vital role of my family in enhancing my relationship to God. Judie and I have four children and thirteen grandchildren. Years ago, I heard an older preacher say (OK, I know that I am now an older preacher), “If I saved the whole world and failed to teach my own children, I think I would have wasted my life.” I am so thankful that all our offspring have been baptized into Christ. While one has left the Lord and sometimes I grieve as I see a weakening of faith in some of them, John said, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth” (3 John 4). I have learned even more this year of the joy of having children (and grandchildren) who embrace His values.
I have learned more about the blessing God has given me in my marriage. Judie’s health has not been the best this past year, and this has helped me treasure our moments together. It has been the best year we have ever had. Her tenacious spirit in dealing with pain has taught me much. She is a constant source of spiritual encouragement to me.
A new year lies before each of us. It should be exciting as we learn the lessons He teaches us from the experiences of our lives. Let’s make the best of it!
We thank God for allowing brother Dan to share these thoughts and may they help each of us as we approach the end of 2021. We each should strive to grow closer to God daily. Just think about how must one righteous person can do for God. (Richard)
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