When stuff goes wrong, people love to 'find' the problem, like when Paul was bitten by the snake - those around said, "Aha, he must be a murderer".  When stuff goes wrong, be like the disciples as they left the prison rejoicing that they were consider trustworthy to be tested in their faith.  Like James writes, Count it all joy ... when you fall into various trials and temptations ... knowing that He is committed to our transformation.  

Well said Julie, it is in these times, times you cant control, times you are tempted to sit down and cry that, if you will look up, you will see a gracious and loving Saviour who is acquainted with our weakness and walking alongside He says: "In this world you will have trouble, but Take Courage, for I have overcome the world"  That is my Saviour.  He did not come to condemn, but to overcome.  Praise His Holy Name, Jesus!

2013 - now what!

I am alive and so are you.  Throw your mind forward to this time Next Year.  You are probably going to be there.  Good or bad, you will be sitting / standing somewhere on the planet and 2013 will be behind you.  So, you choose, will it be of any consequence or just a chasing after pleasure and ticking the boxes on your calendar.  Mindlessly being not too bad and not too good, so you don't get any nasty labels from anyone from the status quo gallery who gets unnerved when people break the momentum of monotony and do something.

This time next year you will have stories to tell of the power of God pulsing through your veins - or you won't.  You will remember how you shared Jesus with a certain stranger / friend, or you won't.  You will see the blessing of God (as promised) coming back into your life like waves on the shore with an unbelievable joy at the feeling of abundant life inside you - or you won't. 

2013 is not like other years - no, because it is NOW.  It is this year, it is today.  Do it, do the thing you thought about but didn't (couldn't be bothered) Don't let another year pass without rocking the system of your boring life.  Jesus said, You will receive Power ... JESUS SAID THIS ... you will receive Power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.  You, yes, You!  You have the power.  The Holy Spirit is the guarantee that all the promises of God are coming toward you. 

Get up and Go.  These promises are falling all over the road on your walk of Faith.  Step into the realm of uncertainty and live the life that calls you forward into the greatness of being Full of the Spirit, telling people everywhere about Him and enjoy the new people you meet, the new feelings of fear that propel you into even more twists and turns of following Jesus.  And whatever you do, don't forget to Have Fun!  He promised abundant life and it is found on this path, the path of true discipleship.  Come on, Lets go ...........