A new calendar year often brings a fresh perspective with promises of a clean slate. We remember the past year and take inventory of successes and failures. We look ahead with hope and anticipation.
Last year, I joined a weight loss program and enjoyed success. I changed my eating habits, and eventually lost 40 pounds. Sadly, after a few short months, the 40 pounds that I fought so hard to lose were replaced by 60!
In Romans, Paul compares us to clay and God to a potter. Perhaps this is where our successes and failures meet–in God’s hands. God takes the many varied experiences of our lives and uses them–the bitter and the sweet–to mold us, shape us, renew us, and transform us. In God’s hands, we are works of art still under construction.
Sometimes the promises we make to ourselves, our New Year’s resolutions, fall flat. But we do not solely rely on our will power, faithfulness, or intellect. Ultimately our hope rests with our God who always keeps promises.
This message is excerpted from “Risky Transformation” by Angela T. Khabeb from the December 23, 2021, blog of the Women of the ELCA. Today is New Year’s Eve.
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