It’s hard for me to remember the days when I didn’t know Jesus (10 years ago); and it’s hard to think that I could even make it through a day without him. What did I do during the turmoil? Who did I lean on and hope to help me? Myself. Others. The World.
All three failed me. 
A fellow coworker was offended by a card from another company that stated God Victorious in the New Year. He is pretty anti-Christian and doesn’t think that Jesus is the only Way. He didn’t want to talk about it in the moment, but I longed to just tell him why I believe. Why I follow Jesus…..and I think one of the biggest reasons is I have seen Him.
I saw him in the eyes of a widow who had lost her entire family to AIDs in Uganda.
I saw him in an Orphanage, that has seen much loss, where the children lift their arms in worship to God in the Philippines.
I saw him in the passion and desires for justice, from a Christian Roma gypsy, in a Muslim family (Macedonia).
I saw him in Malaysia, as an oppressed Indian man held Churches late at night in secret places.
I saw him in the hut of an old Kenyan couple, ailing and poor, but still with more Joy and Faith then I have ever experienced.
I saw him in the eyes of former sex slaves, in Cambodia, who could finally smile with self-worth.
I see him in the eyes of a homeless woman, here at home, who stands on the corner everyday just to get supplements and good food for her sick daughter. She praises God and believes in miracles, even as she lives in her car.
I see him in my own life. Protecting me in times that should have been worse, giving me strength when I am weak, and being the shoulder I need when all around me is falling.
I’ve seen him in far off places and unknown faces; in the redemption and hope of those who the world would say are hopeless; I see him in every eye that believes.
Things can always be worse, but even when they are: there is always a promise of Redemption. How many times do we reach for the branches on the end, that seem sturdy enough; instead of reaching closer to the trunk attached to the roots that reach down to the beginning of life? The end branches break away and we fall.
I couldn’t imagine following another God (I don’t know any other that died for me), a man-made idol, or even just an idea. I have never found Truth or Substance in any other Way.
This time of year a simple thing like a card will remind me of why I believe. I always desire for God to be Victorious in my life and that is my prayer for next year.
