2024 has been a hard year for me. Some days it would seem the year was dragging by….and other times, like today, I find it hard to believe how fast it’s going!

Although we’ve had many blessings in 2024, we’ve also had many challenges.  The Lord has allowed me to face and deal with some hurt places hiding in my heart and has brought His healing into my story.  This has been yet another journey of “letting go”.   I’m letting go of distorted beliefs and lies while purposely embracing God’s truth.   God’s word is true regardless of what is happening around us. 

In seasons of distress, I often think about Jesus and Mary, his Mother.

(Below is an excerpt from my blog last year that is most fitting today.)

When the Angel told Mary she would give birth to Jesus, she could have rebelled. She could have run away and begged God to pick someone else. She could have focused on herself and thought of her own reputation over honoring God. However, her response was no surprise to God and also revealed her heart before Him. Mary was surrendered to God’s leading and longed to bring Him honor.

What is the Lord asking of you? Is your answer “Yes, Lord” or ” let me think about that Lord”? What is the Lord leading you to do? Are you fully surrendered and ready to follow? ❤️

I long to be fully surrendered to God and His plans for my life. When the Lord speaks, I long to respond as Mary did and say, “I am your Servant, let it be to me according to your Word”. ❤️

Mary could have let the possible judgement and perhaps condescending behavior of others cause her to say no to God.   She could have gotten upset at God for allowing this to come her way.  However instead, her answer was a simple “Let it be according to your Word Lord”.

Chad and I have been serving in the ministry for over 30 years now.  To be honest, at times we have experienced and witnessed some very ungodly behavior. I’m not talking about lost people or even saved people making mistakes and repenting.   I’m talking about people who proclaim Jesus straight up deceiving and lying.  To be honest, there were times when I really just wanted to quit.  The more I focused on the sin of others, I became more bitter and hurt.  But God.

God is not like people.   He doesn’t lie. He doesn’t change.  He’s faithful. I long to live for HIM no matter what that looks like. In HIM, there is always hope!  When God speaks to me, I want my answer to be like Mary’s:  I am your servant, let it be to me according to Your Word.❤️

Are you letting anything take your focus off of the Lord?  Is your brokenness driving you to the Lord or away from Him?  I want to encourage you to run to Him. Give him your pain and tell Him everything! Begin the healing journey today.   It’s not always easy but it will be worth it. We can truly trust in HIS love for us!❤️

Merry Christmas  from our family to yours!  I’m praying 2025 will be the year we all walk closer to the Lord than ever before!

Melaina ❤️