As 2017 winds down and we are facing the year 2018 we have some reflection to do. No matter what the year has brought us, good or bad, we need to keep our eyes on the Master. He kept us through it all. He helped us survive the stresses, the ups-and-downs and here we are, still standing.
My heart is filled with thanksgiving for all He has done for our church family. We lost some members through death which was quite painful for us all, especially the families involved. We had Hurricane Irma take out our electric system for most of the state of Florida for several days. Many of us had physical damage to our structures, some still in disarray. Financial systems have been all over the place in the world’s banks. Health issues, fires, earthquakes…all those things that Jesus told us would be happening in the end times.
Matthew 24:6 “You will hear about wars that are being fought. And you will hear stories about other wars beginning. But don’t be afraid. These things must happen before the end comes.”
None of these things stop us from praising the Lord Jesus Christ. If we are His people, who love and follow Him, we can praise through all the storms of life. So as we end the year of 2017, let us praise Him with our whole hearts, knowing He is good and has kept us through it all.
For all the things You have done for us and through us in 2017, Lord Jesus, we thank you and praise your name! Great are You Lord, and greatly to be praised.