Devotions with Pastor Fran Ruecker

A New Year – A New Beginning
Now that Christmas is behind us and all the presents given and received, now what? How does one go about looking ahead to a new year following such a heart breaking past year? So many families, including my own, have been hit hard with Covid-19 or at least complications that may or may not stem from Covid-19. There have been those who have lost loved ones to sudden heart attacks, cancer, complications from diabetes, car accidents, violence, and the list goes on. Heartache so great you wonder how you can take the next step necessary to continue on with life. I have come to realize that it all part of this living experience we call life. Nothing is promised to us, none of us are exempt from the pain of losing a loved one. But there is one sure promise and that is God’s promise of eternal life because of His Son’s cruel death on the cross! The promise of heaven and the promise that we will be able to spend eternity with those loved ones that belonged to Him and have gone on before us!
I’ve been reminded of Mary this Christmas season with the loss of my precious daughter. I think I know now the anguish and heartache that Mary felt as she had to watch her beloved precious son die a horrible death on the cross for all mankind. I think Mary knew from the beginning in that little stable so long ago, that Jesus wasn’t given to her just for her own enjoyment but that he was sent as the coming Messiah to save mankind from their sins! That he would eventually be the sacrificial lamb. But knowing that in your head and knowing that in your heart of hearts are two totally different things. And when the time comes for death to knock on life’s door I don’t think your heart is ever totally ready for what is to come. God had a purpose for Mary and for Jesus and God had a purpose for Tamorah. I can’t see the purpose clearly right now any more than I am sure Mary didn’t see the purpose clearly the day Jesus was born and even more so the day Jesus died. But one thing I am certain of is that God is still in control even when I can’t see the purpose. So I can’t do anything but trust Him and hold tightly to His hand as we journey through this tough time together.
As for the New Year? I really don’t know what this New Year will look like but I do know this. I want to love a whole lot more and a whole lot deeper. I want to say the things that need to be said. I want to spend a whole lot more time making memories and leaving a strong legacy. I want to spend this year giving hugs and kisses to my precious children and grandchildren and making every moment count!
I want to serve Him with more fervor and conviction than ever before by sharing my story of Jesus with those who don’t have any hope for the future. I can’t do anything to change the past (oh, how I wish I could) but I can do something about the here and now and this coming year! Will this year be easy? I don’t think so but I can do all things through Him who gives me the strength to do what He would have me to do.
So when I don’t know what else to do, I will reach up and take His hand we will silently journey together.
Pastor Fran