Some prompts hit closer to the heart than others do. A year ago, I didn’t imagine that life in any aspect would look like what it does today. In some ways—my art primarily—life has been richly rewarding. I’ve had my art work hanging somewhere in Dallas for others to see continually for the past year and a half. That’s mind blowing when I think about it. I’ve had two solo exhibitions, one through my work and another through a collaboration with the City and our local art league.
Yet, in other ways, life has been extremely difficult and challenging, both at home and at work.
Is your life today what you pictured a year ago?
Life has a way of teaching us lessons we didn’t know we needed. And when we allow God to guide us, those lessons transform our hearts in remarkably unexpected ways.
As I reflect on 2024, there are three lessons that stand out to me.
Let Go, Let God
There were times this year when I wrestled with great frustration and impatience, questioning why things weren’t happening how I wanted them to according to my plans. Hindsight is always a faithful teacher. Now I can see how God orchestrated some events with a precision I couldn’t have imagined. His timing isn’t just good—it is perfect, reminding me that trust requires surrender. Let go, let God. He works it all out for good, even if I don’t have all the answers I’m looking for right now. Life is hard. It’s less so if we are willing to lean on the Lord and trust Him with our most challenging problems and difficult moments.
Romans 8:28 NLT
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Grace Carries Us Through the Struggle
Life didn’t pull its punches in 2024. When we rang in the new year, we had no idea Terri’s sister would die this year. Twice this year, I’ve had to contemplate losing the love of my life to potentially life-threatening disease. Changes at work have made me question my calling and even my own worth. Our aging parents have brought our own mortality to light. Honestly, between personal trials and challenges in ministry, there were moments when I wondered if we’d get through it intact. Yet, every time, God’s grace met me in my weakness, as He did Terri. It’s not always easy to see in the moment, but the Lord’s grace truly is sufficient, sustaining us when we find ourselves exhausted with nothing left to give.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Stillness Is Sacred
This year has taught me to cherish stillness. Most mornings, I get up early just to be still. It’s dark. It’s quiet. We live and love in a world that constantly demands more of us. Nonstop, 24/7.
We can easily mistake busyness with purpose. However, most meaningful encounters with God came when I simply stopped striving—when I quieted my mind and allowed Him to speak into the silence. Stillness isn’t empty; it’s holy.
Psalm 46:10 ESV
Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
As you reflect on the past year take some time to pause and listen. What did God teach you in 2024? What blessings can you give thanks for?
It’s natural for us to have regrets about the past and anxiety about the future.
1 Samuel 12:16 ESV
Now therefore stand still and see this great thing that the Lord will do before your eyes.
Life is messy and beautiful, filled with grace and grit. Keep laughing. When necessary, take time to cry. Remember: through it all, God remains faithful.
As we step closer to a new year, my prayer for you—and for myself—is that we continue to trust Him, embrace His grace, and walk boldly in His purpose.
Until next time…
Grace and peace,
Rainer Bantau—The Devotional Guy™
The Devotional Guy™ 