The last six years have been the best of times and the worst of times.
I’ve seen more death, destruction, disease and devastation than I care to remember. I’ve also seen the hand of God move in extraordinary ways.
Indeed, sometimes I feel like I have seen more than my fair share of betrayals, persecution, spiritual warfare, and unfair outcomes. But, if I’m honest, I’ve also seen more than my fair share of breakthroughs, promotions, divine intervention and mercy.
And that’s just it. Who are we to say what our fair share is?
For years, I’ve had a gratitude journal. But that gratitude journal sat on a shelf with but a single entry in it, not because I was ungrateful but because I wasn’t mindful of the power of gratitude.
Now, gratitude is my secret weapon against the enemy.
When the enemy tries to discourage me, I start thanking God for all the goodness He has brought into my life. I’ve discovered gratitude derails discouragement.
When I am betrayed, I rejoice in the reality that the betrayal was in my best interest. That takes the sting out of it.
When I am persecuted, I praise God because he has given me the ability to bless those who curse me and pray for those who persecute me. In doing so, I rise in authority.
When spiritual warfare comes at me from all directions, I celebrate God’s promise that assures me the devil will have to flee seven ways when I obey Christ’s commands.
When breakthrough knocks on my door, I worship the Breaker who made a way out of no way.
When promotions come, I marvel at the goodness of God to use me despite my weaknesses.
When divine intervention manifests, I declare the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
When mercy shines down on me, I cry tears of joy over His goodness.
God is good. Sometimes when life gets bumpy we forget how good He is, how faithful He is, and How wise He is.
Always remember this, God takes what the enemy meant for harm and turn it for good (see Gen. 50:20). Moreover, God works all things—even our mistakes—together for our good because we love Him and are a called according to His purposes (see Rom. 8:28).
So whether you’ve had a good year or bad year, thank God. The best is yet to come.
