Portals Into God's Presence: We've Come This Far By Faith (and giveaway, too!!!)

Tomorrow is my 38th Birthday! Glory and honor be to God! When I think about the possibility and promise of a new year, I cannot help but think about the provision and protection of the past years. In the words of the hymn writer Albert Goodson, "[God's] never failed me yet." Indeed, I have come this far by faith.

So, our hymn for the week is "We've Come This Far By Faith." It is one of those staple songs in the African-American church. Many do not know, and have never sung the verses. We know the chorus well. The chorus speaks volumes about what it means to journey with God. Implied in the chorus is a life of struggle, doubt, disappointment, and the like. Explicitly stated, however, is that idea that even though I may face such circumstances, God has never let me down and that I get through such situations only in relationship with God. In my soon to be 38 years I have had my share of struggle, doubt, and disappointment, but I have arrived at this point because of the presence and activity of my Sovereign and Loving God.  Beloved, it may not be your birthday, but will you take a moment to think about just how far God has brought you? Can you declare with me and the Gospel Legends (seen below), "We've come this far by faith!"

We've come this far by faith

Leaning on the Lord

Trusting in His Holy word

He never failed me yet

Oh' Can't Turn Around

We've come this far by faith

Don't be discouraged

with trouble in your life;

he'll bear your burdens

and move all discord and strife.

Just the other day, I heard a man say

He did not believe in God's word

But I can truly say, the Lord has made a way

He's never failed me yet.

Birthdays are all about gifts. In the spirit of community and giving, I am pleased to announce From Time to Time's first ever GIVEAWAY!!! We will be giving away three copies of The New National Baptist Hymnal" 21st Century Edition. It is my favorite hymnal, and the one I consult most when writing Portals into God's Presence.

You can enter four ways: Leave a comment on the blog (http://donnaolivia.blogspot.com), send me a Tweet (@ddotolivia), post a photo on Instagram (@ddotolivia), or leave a post on my Facebook page with your first name, favorite hymn, and one-two sentences describing how the song ministers to you. Entries must be received by 11:59pm on Wednesday, June 11, 2014. Winners will be announced on Thursday, June 12, 2014 in the next edition of Portals Into God's Presence.