Peace Redefined: 2015 In Review

No longer will they call you deserted. (Isaiah 62:4)

2015 was a unique year for my family. My word for 2015 was peace. As I anticipated the peace that my family would enjoy in 2015, I expected rest, tranquility and an end to our long drawn out trials.

The peace was not as I expected. Ironically, one of my students gave me a Christmas ornament with a peace symbol. I hung it in my office as a reminder of my Word for 2015. One day I came into the office and the ornament lay on the floor in pieces. This broken ornament was a metaphor for our lives in 2015 which took new twists and turns beyond our imaginations.

Many times, we felt like Job in the bible. My family experienced multiple car accidents, job loss and serious health issues, then to top it all, our house caught on fire during one of the thunder storms in July. We were homeless and displaced for a while but God was faithful. All of our harrowing trials were wrapped in God’s love.

We had joyful moments such as graduation from college, white coat ceremony, new job, and the miraculous provision of a temporary home. We were blessed by visits of extended family from Nigeria and meeting my nieces and nephews for the first time. In all, we continue to experience God’s love in new ways.

My definition of peace has changed radically. Peace no longer means calm without conflict but instead it is standing still and trusting God wholeheartedly in the middle of very difficult circumstances.

Thus far has the Lord helped us (1Samuel 7:12). I praise you Lord that you were by our side in 2015. By your power, we stand and look forward to what you will do in 2016.

Thanks to all those who reached out to my family in 2015. We wish you a blessed New Year.

In what ways did the Lord help you in 2015? What are you looking forward to in 2016?

Let us come to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16)