New Beginnings

Last year I served as a student missionary in Calcutta, India. Over the course of my time there I had many experiences that changed my perspective and drew me closer to God. I would like to share one of these experiences with you.  

On December 20th of last year, I had the immense privilege of watching a birth at the Springs of Joy Midwifery Clinic in Ranchi, India. Late in the evening a woman arrived at the clinic. She was experiencing contractions and it was apparent that the baby was on its way. Since I had never seen a birth before, I asked if I could watch. The mother agreed and the assistants told me they would call me when she was about to deliver. 4.5 hours later a sharp knock on my door announced the arrival of an assistant. She informed me that if I wanted to see the baby be born I would have to come quickly. The baby was crowning when I got there and few minutes later the whole head appeared. Just after midnight a baby girl was born. As I held her a surge of joy overwhelmed me. Nothing was more valuable in that moment than the little life I held in my arms. Somehow, it was like my center of gravity shifted and was anchored by the baby I held.

I believe that this is how God thinks of us.  In the beginning, He made a perfect world and provided a bright future for us but along the way we got lost. Rather than turn His back on us He made a way back to Him though Christ. He only wants the best for us. It is as if He holds us in His arms and we are the center of His world.

Every new year is a time of rejoicing and a renewal of hope. This New Years I challenge you to envision your future through God’s eyes. As Jeremiah 29:11 says, “'For I know the thoughts I think toward you,' says the Lord, 'thoughts of peace and not of evil to give you a future and a hope.'”

by Hannah Baxter,  Andrews University Student