Last year I entered into a new season of life; some people would say it was one of the best years of my life! I bought my house and got married, two massive life changing events which are both part of my new season.

I am forever grateful for the blessings in my life and the way I can see God moving. But this does not mean that I don’t still have challenges, I do. Before I knew Jesus, I made a complete mess of my life through decisions I made or did not make, through the way I viewed myself, through the value I placed on myself or rather the lack of value. The relationships I made through my life were not always positive and productive to my life, my priorities were often wrong and short term, in the moment, self-gratifying.

I have suffered a lot of pain – emotionally, physically and mentally through the way I was living, and I still carry some of that pain, I am still processing and working through it. There are some situations and places that I still find extremely difficult to be in. I also wanted to give my children a different life and, in some ways, I have but in others I have completely let them down.

As a Christian, a follower of Jesus, I have been forgiven, redeemed and restored by God. But sometimes we find ourselves unable to receive these things, to believe they have happened and can even think we don’t deserve them. Do you ever feel like that?

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.                                                                 

– Ephesians 1: 7

As Christians, sometimes we can forget who we are called to be and become so bogged down by trials in life that we can become our own worst enemy! I think it is also important to be honest, that a magic wand isn’t waved over you when you become a follower of Jesus, there is still work to be done. I know God HAS done these things in my life, but often battle in my mind to actually live in that forgiven, redeemed and restored place even in those situations that I can’t even change!

So, although I am in one of the best seasons of my life, for which I am thankful for, I am still battling my mind, my past and my present. But I know one thing for sure, I need Jesus now more than ever.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

– 2 Corinthians 12:9

I am now a wife with a blended family, being pulled in many different directions, making a simple plan can become a full-on military operation! I simply want to be the best wife, mum, disciple and friend I can possibly be. So as I begin this new year, I am thankful and excited but I am not blind to the battles I am still battling, to my own weaknesses and shortcomings, to the people in my life who are hurting, some who I have hurt and for these I pray every day.

Being a follower of Jesus does not make you immune from making mistakes, it can make you more aware of them and your need for a saviour. There are some things in my life there is nothing I can do to change but with God, I can, and will, find a way to live with and work through them. This is why I know I need Jesus now, more than ever. Being a follower of Jesus has given me a purpose and hope for the future, something I didn’t have before!

As you begin this New Year, I pray that you can walk on the path God has placed you on. If you are not walking with him or don’t know him, I pray you seriously consider getting to know him because it was THE best thing I ever did. I pray that you understand how much you and I both need Jesus in our life.

Peace and Love for the year ahead,

Amber

xx