I write on a topic this morning that I know that I need to do more work on. As always, I like to be transparent and very open in my blogs and share myself via my experiences and journeys. But when I write it is always for me first in a manner where himself speaks to himself. The reason for this is that I believe in self-reflection. Taking that time to pause, look back and dissect what took place to learn from the experience. Actually, for two years straight I did daily journaling using the Gibbs Reflective Cycle where my reflections were written down and thoroughly evaluated.

Many persons commence the New Year with reflection of the old and aspirations of the new. While this is good, I say, “There is no better time for reflection than now”. Meaning, out of 365 days a year, each and every day is a good day to reflect. Never wait for a special day or time to evaluate you!

I personally think that one of the best topic areas to evaluate ourselves against is by asking ourselves this question, “How well do we serve others?”. We are called for a blessing to be a blessing. So how much of who we are, and what we have obtained are we using to bless and serve others?

Actually, the more we serve our God, the easier it becomes to serve others. Therefore, seeing that serving our families and friends should be a spin off of serving God. Maybe the question should be, “How much are we serving God?”. Or put another way, “How much are we Honouring God?” because serving Him with all our heart, mind and soul is the primary way of honouring Him (Matthew 22:37-38).

Honouring God is a heavy topic which the brief words of this blog cannot begin to do justice.
But if you get a chance, this article (What does it mean to honour Him?) gives some good high level prospective on the subject. But what I would like to speak about is honouring God through submission and obedience similar to how an earthly child honours their parents.

When I search the scriptures, I notice that many of the patriarchs/disciples went through tremendous trials and testing. Just look and see what Paul went through here – 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 . But they all stayed the course and they were obedient and submissive and honoured God until the end. The bible is packed with such stories of men honouring God through their trials.  Now it is these same trials that Pastors are using up to this day to preach and inspire us from. The woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8:43-48), the 10 lepers who got healed (Luke 17:11-19) , and the lame man who was able to walk (Acts 3:1:10) are just a few example of these.

Imagine what would happen if we did not have these stories of trials turning into triumph in the bible? We would not have all these stories of hope and upliftment that inspire us today.  These stories are great and they will forever be so. But it is time for us to write our own stories and leave our own mark in history to inspire others.  

I am coming to realize that all that we do in our daily lives even the hardships we go through can be used to honour God in our lifetime and even after we are long gone. God uses what we honour him with (i.e. blessings & burdens he places upon us) to not only bless us but to bless others as well. We are used as pieces on a chess board, who the Father moves into various positions to execute His winning strategy. In this I am honoured to be his chosen chess piece on the board of life to be used for His good pleasure.

As a friend shared with me, “blessings have our names on it, but our trials do to”. As the New Year is upon us, lets reflect with hope, courage, and excitement that our trials WILL turn into triumph. What God brings to us is not to break us but to build us and bless ourselves and others in the process. All we have to do is trust Him, obey His word and the Almighty will prevail for us.

PS: Dane Miller was last seen reflecting on how his current situation can honour God.

Your Brother in the Lord,

Dane Miller | Author

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