HELEN
There is a night in scripture when Jacob found himself alone, in the dark, standing between the life he had lived and the future he was about to face. He wrestled with God until morning, and when the sun rose, Jacob walked away with a new name and a changed walk. His hip was touched, and he carried that mark for the rest of his life. Genesis 32: 22-32
“A year ago, in December, I could barely walk. Walking in God’s creation, where I praised Him in the quiet and stillness of the early morning had always been my thing and my go to alone time with the Creator. The pain in my hip had become so uncomfortable that any ordinary movement was a struggle. I felt the loss of that place of worship deeply.
“There was much prayer and fasting during that time, yet in God’s wisdom He did not choose to heal me in the way I might have expected. Instead, He lead me forward and into surgery, into trust and into a path of obedience not unlike Jacobs.
“One year on from hip replacement surgery, I am walking and swimming comfortably once more. When I climb to the top of Mount Maunganui, I lift my hands in worship and thank the Lord, praising Him for His goodness, His healing and His faithfulness in my life.
“Every Wednesday night I share testimonies of others, stories of God’s unfailing love, healing, provision, and grace. Tonight, as one-year closes and another begins, I’m reminded that God often marks our lives not just with scars, but with strength where there was once weakness.
“Jacob limped into his future, but he also stepped into his calling. I know the same God who met Jacob in the night is still meeting people today – sometimes in the quiet, sometimes in fear, sometimes through surgery, sometimes in miracles and sometimes through faithful endurance as He leads us step by step into the way He has prepared.
“As one-year transitions into another, I believe there are testimonies being written right now. Somewhere, heaven is invading earthly lives and when morning comes, there will be changed walks and stories that give God the glory. Psalm 126:3 “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”
“Loving Father, as this year comes to a close, we thank you for meeting us in the right seasons of our lives. Thank you for your faithfulness when the way forward seems unclear, and for your wisdom when your answers look different from what we expect. We place into your hands every ending and every beginning. For those who are weary, bring strength. For those who are afraid of what lies ahead, bring peace. And for those standing between seasons, may they encounter you in a way that forever changes their walk. May the coming year be marked by deeper trust, quieter surrender and greater testimonies to your goodness. We give you all the glory. Amen”.