The Planting Roots Director, Kori, shares some inspiring words about God’s faithfulness to close out 2021.
God’s Faithfulness in 2021
by Kori Yates
And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work.
Nehemiah 2:18
It’s been a year.
Depending on where you are and what you’ve walked through, those words will mean something different to you.
They could mean that life was challenging – whether it was that crazy PCS and trying to find a home, illness of those you care about, or a million other things that can make your heart hurt or simply make you weary.
The words could be sweet reminders of moments of celebration – whether a homecoming, promotion, new additions to the family from puppies to people, or all kinds of other things that can bring joy and hope.
For many of us, though, it’s a mixture of so many things. Thinking back, we can recall moments of weariness and fear, but also seasons of peace and life. Regardless of what life has looked like for us all, we can be confident of one thing.
God is still faithful.
The Israelites were tracking this through the story of Nehemiah. Reading through the book, we see the amazing work God did through them and the celebration that took place. We watch as Ezra pulls out the Book of the Law and reads, reminding them of the disobedience of their people and the judgement God brought to them. They begin to confront their own sin and end up landing in a place of hope and worship as they see God’s mercy and grace again.
Their story is our story too. The story of God’s faithfulness continues to be written in us. We are testimony to a God of grace, mercy, comfort, strength, peace, joy, and hope.
As we close out the year, I pray our response is still the response of the Israelites. When we reflect on what God has done and the story of his faithfulness, I pray we too will RISE UP and build. I pray we will let him strengthen our hands for the good work he still has yet to do through us. He is still faithful and he is still calling us. RISE UP – take YOUR place at the wall. Together God can use us in ways we never imagined.
Prayer
Lord, remind us of your faithfulness and, in doing so, pour courage into us as we seek to serve you in the places we are planted. Show us your way and help us to RISE UP in service to you above all.
If you’d like the Planting Roots Prayer Team to cover you needs in prayer you can submit your confidential request HERE.
