Back when I was 7, there lived a girl of about 14-15 who lived with her family across our building. One day she asked my father if I could join them on a trip to Coney Island. Approved, I wore dark pants and I think a light blue shirt. She brought along a nephew similar in age to me and happened to be wearing the same outfit! We were like brothers on that trip. At Coney Island, cowboy hats were bought for us.
We enjoyed similar rides and activities-except one. At one point, I went on a small roller coaster ride without him. When the operator saw me, he said, “I see you’re a cowboy, that means you like to go fast.” Boy, I wanted to take off that hat so fast! My insides were saying “NO!” But, round and round and up and down I went. Got off and never ever went on roller coasters again-until our daughter tricked us into one a few years ago!
Have you had your share of life’s up and downs? Been roller-coasting for some time now? Have you wanted to take off that “hat” for some time and yelled “NO!” every time another trial shows up? I can relate! God understands! Do you want a fresh beginning? Need new direction? Let’s learn a few things from God.
With the start of a new year, we want to live it up making sure not to miss anything. We want to grab ahold of life. We want to accomplish our dreams and pursue new heights.
Generally, our plans, dreams, and aspirations differ from God’s plans for us. Our best bet is to line up ours with His. Since He’s Jehovah-El Hay, the Living God, He challenges us to live life to the fullest. The first step to living for Him is to die to ourselves. Only when we die can we fully allow God to live through us. After death, we need to be buried with Him; that is, put sin to death in us. How? Don’t practice it! Sin is crucified in us through our spiritual death because Christ took it to the cross for us. We need to be sure the “Old Man” in us will not rise again. Through His resurrection, we too share in it by rising from the dead!
Our next step is to share in His sufferings and truly identify with His meaning of life. Life will have more meaning when we realize we no longer live, but Christ lives through us (Galatians 2:20).
Desire a better life? Die to self, lead others to death also, and to life through Jesus Christ, El-Hay; The Living God.
Happy New Year!
Sam
Originally shared with our church on January 20, 2005