Cheers to the New Year!

God has taught me incredibly much in the past two years. If I were to describe 2013-2014, I'd say the first half of 2013 was one of the most memorable years yet, but the months to come was characterized with much pain, anger, and loss. But I'm extremely thankful for it all. Through it, the Lord revealed to me my idols, and reminded me what it means to truly have freedom in Christ. And sometimes, those things are just so easy to forget - to the point where you wallow in deep shame and guilt. Failure after failure weighed heavily on my heart, which (by His grace alone!) had only served to grow in me a deeper love and appreciation for the gospel!

Looking back, there were many things I did not understand, but I'm continually left in awe upon remembering how, in His sovereignty, He allows everything to come to pass for His glory, and my refinement. My sinfulness was not only revealed, but I was reminded that I have an enemy! Satan is very real, and he prowls around like a roaring lion, ready to devour (1 Peter 5:8). But what he intends for evil, the Lord intends for good! The messiest situations are worked out in the most mysterious ways, revealing to me His perfect wisdom and sovereignty. Thus, one of my favorite verses of all time takes root in my heart with so much more depth and meaning: All things work together for the good, for those that love God, and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28)

My prayer is that I live this year for His glory. That I live it in awe of His amazing grace and loving kindness toward me. That I live it with eternity in mind, captivated by the truth that I have a god whose love, though I'm a completely undeserving recipient of it, will never fail me and will always satisfy me.

In this blog, I hope to record all that He has to teach me. The blessings, the trials, the whole shebang! If the Lord has taught me so much in the span of a mere few months, how much more does He have in store for the following year? Although I see a lot of challenges ahead, I'm excited! It might not be easy, but who said it'd be anyways?

-K