Reflecting on God’s Faithfulness: My 2024 Journey
This time of year carries a heavy weight for me. On my birthday, December 28, 2024, we received the devastating news that Wendy had pancreatic cancer. What followed were four of the hardest months of our lives as we faced this battle together. It was a journey filled with pain and uncertainty, where each day brought new challenges and heartache. Yet, even in the midst of it all, God’s faithfulness shone through in ways I will never forget.
Since Wendy’s passing, I’ve been walking the road of grief, especially as milestones like Thanksgiving, what would have been our 33rd wedding anniversary, and Christmas approached. On top of this, in September, I faced another significant life change when I was laid off from my job. But out of that challenge came an unexpected blessing: this blog. Writing has been like therapy for me—a way to express my feelings and, in some small way, ease the pain. It hasn’t removed the grief, but it has lightened the load, giving me purpose in sharing my journey and helping others.
God has truly used this blog as a means of healing and growth. Through it all, I’ve seen His hand guiding and sustaining me. And as I reflect on this past year, I’m excited to share that starting in January, I’ll begin a new series on what I’ve learned about grief over the last year. My prayer is that these lessons will comfort and encourage others walking similar paths.
It hasn’t been easy, but one truth has carried me: God is faithful. Even in the darkest moments, He keeps His promise to never leave us or forsake us.
“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” – Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT)
The Faithfulness of God in Everyday Life
Through this difficult season, God has shown His faithfulness in countless ways. He’s used family, church members, and friends to demonstrate His love. There were moments when a kind word, a shared meal, or a simple prayer reminded me that I wasn’t alone.
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.” – Psalm 23:4 (NLT)
God never promised life would be free from pain, but He did promise to walk with us through it. When I look back on this past year, I can see how He provided exactly what I needed—sometimes in unexpected ways.
Practical Steps to Reflect on God’s Faithfulness
Reflecting on God’s faithfulness isn’t just about looking back; it’s about cultivating a heart of gratitude and trust. Here are some practical steps you can take:
- Set Aside Time to Reflect
Take time to sit quietly and think about the past year. Write down moments when you felt God’s presence or saw His provision. - Journal Your Gratitude
Keep a journal where you list specific blessings and answered prayers. Big or small, they are all evidence of God’s faithfulness. - Look for Patterns
Pay attention to how God has worked in your life. Sometimes, we don’t notice His hand in the moment, but looking back, we see how He’s been weaving everything together for our good. - Seek Him in Scripture
Spend time in God’s Word, focusing on passages that remind you of His faithfulness. Scriptures like Isaiah 41:10 or Hebrews 13:5 can be powerful reminders
The Importance of Being Still
One of the most challenging yet rewarding things I’ve learned this year is the importance of being still. Grief, uncertainty, and even busyness can make it hard to hear God’s voice, but He often speaks in the quiet.
“Be still, and know that I am God!” – Psalm 46:10 (NLT)
In the stillness, I’ve found comfort and clarity. It’s not about having all the answers but about trusting the One who does. Take time to quiet your heart, turn off distractions, and just rest in His presence. You’ll be amazed at how He speaks when you truly listen.
Looking Ahead with Hope
As 2024 comes to a close, I’m reminded that God’s faithfulness doesn’t stop at the end of the year. If you woke up this morning, it’s because He’s not done with you yet.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
God has plans for you in 2025. Even if the path seems unclear, trust that He’s leading you. Reflect on the ways He’s carried you through this past year, and let that encourage you to step into the new year with faith and expectancy.
Closing Encouragement
If this year has been hard for you too, know this: God sees you, He loves you, and He’s with you. Reflect on His faithfulness, thank Him for His goodness, and trust Him for what’s ahead. Wendy’s absence is felt deeply, but her life and legacy remind me of the hope we have in Christ—the promise of eternal life and the assurance of His presence in every season.
Take time to reflect, be still, and look forward. God isn’t finished with your story.
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