The Ups and Downs

What was 2013 like for you? What were the high points? What were the low points? Perhaps you had a brilliant holiday or made some new friends. On the other hand perhaps you had to say goodbye to some loved ones or face failure or disappointment. At this time of year we often look back over the ups and downs of the past year and wonder if the next will be better or worse. Jesus has promised his followers that he will be with us whatever happens. His love for us stays strong in the ups, the downs and the kind of boring bits in between.

In Romans 8:28 we have a really encouraging promise to hold on to in the ups and downs of life. It says, “...in all things God works for the good of those who love him...” God is at work for our good in ALL things, fun things AND miserable things. Even things we thought were a complete waste of time: somehow God is using them for good. How great is that?!

So let’s remember God’s promises as we get stuck into 2014. There may be things ahead that we are dreading. There may be things we’re really looking forward to. Perhaps there are changes coming up in your school life or your home. God will be with you every step of the way, working for your good. I wonder what HIS plans for you are this year? I guess that we can trust him to use all the ups and downs of 2014 to make us just a little bit more like Jesus by the time 2015 rolls around!