As I celebrate another birthday I feel led to share one of my favorite hymns. This one is my testimony.
For many folks birthdays are a time to make goals or resolutions for the coming year. And many times these are quickly forgotten and not met. I've never been one to do that, but I often do take the time to reflect upon the past year and recall how the Lord has directed my paths, often in so many unexpected ways. In this week's hymn choice, the hymn writer, John Peterson, talks about these as "the winding paths of earth". In my life I think about the winding paths that took me to college, that led me to my wonderful wife, that brought me into contact with so many godly friends, that took me to excellent jobs, that provided so many ministry opportunities, that led me to doctors that solved perplexing physical problems and even saved my son's life, and provided me with a special family and heritage.
As I recall my life, I can join John Peterson by testifying that Jesus did lead me all the way. Psalm 73:24 "Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory." And taking time to remember God's leading in the past, gives me the courage and confidence to face the unknown challenges of tomorrow that always come with advancing age and living in a world that appears to be falling apart. Is this your testimony as well? Has Jesus led you all the way? Or are you struggling on your own?
Honestly, I don't know how people without the Lord face tomorrow with all that is happening in the world today. It seems to me that one must be fearful and without hope if one doesn't know the Lord and have His leading in life. As you begin a new year, why not let the Lord lead you daily as you depend upon Him? What a day it will be when I can tell the saints and angels, as I lay my burden down, that Jesus led me all the way. Think about these words during the coming week and year.
