“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day” (2 Tim. 1:12).

What will 2021 bring into our paths? Does it really matter? Or is the only thing we really need to know that we can trust Jesus with anything that comes our way?

Here is a favorite quote of mine: “The Father’s presence encircled Christ, and nothing befell Him but that which Infinite Love permitted for the blessing of the world. Here was His source of comfort, and it is for us. He who is imbued with the Spirit of Christ abides in Christ. Whatever comes to him, comes from the Saviour, who surrounds Him with His presence. Nothing can touch him except by the Lord’s permission. All our sufferings and sorrows, all our temptations and trials, all our sadness and griefs, all our persecutions and privations, in short, all things work together for our good. All experiences and circumstances are God’s workmen whereby good is brought to us” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 488).

When purifying metal, removing dross is not an easy process. It takes extreme heat to bring it to the surface and then a sharp tool to scrap it off. Ouch! No matter the cost to us, can we trust the Lord to truly complete in us the good work He has started (Philippians 1:6)? Letting Him decide what will transform our characters into a reflection of His.

I pray we all can and will become warriors of faith in 2021 as we daily trust more fully in our soon-coming Lord, Savior, and King!

Stay faithful, brethren. He truly is coming soon!

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