Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him.
Genesis 12:7 (ESV)
Abram saw God’s hand in his life and was so moved that he had to commemorate the event in tangible worship.
God spoke, loved, promised, acted; Abram built.
The Lord has moved in my life own in enormous ways the past year. SO, I thought I’d make a few altars of my own to commemorate all he has done these last 12 months.
In 2016, God
❈ revealed some personal sin patterns and heavy chains after I chose “Freedom” as my word for the year–a true answer to prayer
❈ led me to place my future in his hands and start a new major (again) in Human Development and Family Studies
❈ gave me the perseverance to finish strong as I wrapped up my last semester in Kinesiology and Health
❈ provided funds for my trip to Vietnam through generous loved ones
❈ put me on a summer team with three other God-fearing, loving, and all-around wonderful individuals
❈ provided a sub-leaser for the entire summer
❈ gave me a tutoring position on campus for fall semester
❈ kept our team safe during our travels to, within, and from Vietnam
❈ placed so many sweet VN friends in our path each day
❈ showed me his heart for the nations and gave me a new love for Christ
❈ allowed me to gain weight overseas, then drastically softened my heart toward the true beauty found in Christ
❈ trusted me with leading a small group of girls in discussion and community each week
❈ gave me a dear friendship with my small group co-leader
❈ put me in a discipleship group with girls who encourage each other toward obedience and love for the Lord
❈ showed me my failures as a friend/roommate/peer and spurred me toward a more Christlike love of others
❈ strengthened my fiancé (!!) and I’s relationship even amidst all the wedding preparation
❈ provided pre-marital mentors to speak wisdom into Dellan and I’s future marriage
❈ deepened my community at ISU
… and much, much more. These are truly just an overview; I could write an entire post for each bullet alone.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Jesus! You are so good. This year wasn’t always easy, but your work in my life is so evident. Bring on 2017.
All glory, honor, praise, and love be to you forever and ever.
Gabrielle Ruth Writes 