Quiet Andrew

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  • Anchored in His Promises, Completed in His Work

    Anchored in His Promises, Completed in His Work

    Daily Devotional: Embracing God’s Promises

    “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22–23

    God’s Mercies in Every Beginning and Ending

    As the year quietly draws to a close, the moments of stillness often invite a deeper reflection. The rhythms of life—a seamless intertwining of beginnings and endings—echo the constancy of God’s hand over us. In each sunrise, we witness His mercies anew, and in every completed chapter, we recognize His faithfulness. Christ, the Alpha and the Omega, meets us in both the joy of fulfillment and the anticipation of what is yet to come.

    Reflecting on God’s Steadfast Love

    This season of transition from one year to the next holds a special opportunity for introspection. I find myself drawn to the words of Lamentations 3:22–23, which remind us of God’s steadfast love and inexhaustible grace. Looking back, I see moments where His faithfulness upheld me, even when my faith faltered. One such moment was earlier this year, when I wrestled with uncertainty in a challenging decision. It felt like standing at the edge of a storm-tossed sea, unsure of how to move forward. Yet, through prayer and the counsel of scripture, I began to discern His guiding hand. Romans 8:28 assured me that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” The storm didn’t cease immediately, but His peace anchored me through it.

    A Season of Joy and Grace

    The Christmas season is a tangible reminder of this enduring grace. The twinkling lights, the familiar carols, and the laughter of loved ones all point to a deeper beauty—the beauty of a Creator who gifts us moments of joy even in a fallen world. Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” This verse resonates in those fleeting glimpses of glory, whether through the colors of a sunset or the warmth of a shared meal.

    God’s Work in Progress

    Yet, even as we celebrate, we are called to consider the work that God has begun in us. Philippians 1:6 encourages us with the promise that He who began a good work will bring it to completion. I’ve seen this truth unfold in my life through small but significant steps of obedience. It’s humbling to think that the Creator of the universe is at work within me, weaving His purposes through my ordinary days. Still, there are times when I find myself hesitating—moments when doubt creeps in and whispers that the path ahead is too difficult or uncertain. But in those times, I remind myself that these doubts are not of God, but the enemy’s attempt to discourage and distract me from His mission. With this realization, I resolve to press on, trusting in His strength to guide me forward.

    Christ’s Finished Work: Our Assurance

    Jesus’ final words on the cross, “It is finished!” (John 19:30), remind us that God’s plans are never left incomplete. Christ’s obedience, even unto death, brought the ultimate plan of redemption to fruition. His life, death, and resurrection fulfilled centuries of prophecy and secured the promise of new mercies every day. That same determination to complete the Father’s will is at work in us now through the Spirit of Christ within us.

    Strength in Weakness: Sharing God’s Love

    As I reflect on this truth, I’m reminded of how many people struggle with evangelism. So often, we feel unworthy or incapable of sharing God’s love, weighed down by our own imperfections, self-doubt, and fear. Yet, in 2 Corinthians 12:9, God reassures us with these words: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” This verse reminds us that God does not call us to be flawless; He calls us to be willing. It is not our strength but His grace working through us that makes the difference. Christ’s love compels us to share His goodness—not as a task to be checked off, but as a natural outpouring of the grace we have so freely received.

    Hope in New Beginnings

    As the new year approaches, I find hope in the promise of fresh beginnings. Each morning brings renewed mercies and another chance to trust God with the unfinished parts of my life. I’m learning to surrender those areas where I’ve clung too tightly to control, trusting that His plans are far greater than mine. Psalm 34:8 invites us to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” It’s an invitation not only to observe but to experience His faithfulness in the most personal of ways.

    Reflection

    How has God revealed His faithfulness to you this past year? Are there areas of your life where you need to release control and trust His work within you? As you step into the new year, how can you embrace His renewed mercies each morning and carry His love forward into the lives of others?

    Prayer

    Lord, thank You for Your steadfast love and new mercies each day. As I reflect on the past year, I am grateful for Your guidance through joy and struggle. Help me trust Your promises, yield to Your work in my life, and share Your love with others. Anchor me in Your faithfulness as I step into the new year, reflecting Your grace and glory. Amen.

  • Quiet Andrew: An Introduction

    Quiet Andrew: An Introduction

    Introduction

    Today, on Christmas Day, I embark upon a humble yet significant venture—the first official post of “Quiet Andrew.” This day, sacred in its celebration of hope and the birth of Jesus Christ, Immanuel, or “God with Us,” is fitting for such a beginning. My hope rests wholly in Jesus Christ, whose light has guided my path for nearly 45 years. The Apostle Peter exhorts us in 1 Peter 3:15 to always be prepared to offer a reason for the hope within us, and so I offer this space as my own humble contribution toward that end.

    “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” – 1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV)

    This website serves as both a personal chronicle of faith and a resource for those seeking the peace, freedom, and joy that only Jesus Christ can provide. Over the course of this journey, I hope to share why my faith has grown stronger with time—requiring less blind trust and more of a reasoned acknowledgment of the truth I have discovered.

    Why “Quiet Andrew”?

    The name “Quiet Andrew” carries personal and biblical significance. Andrew is my middle name, and I have always found the disciple and apostle Andrew a figure of quiet yet profound influence. He appears to embody the spiritual gift of service, working behind the scenes with humility, facilitating others in their journeys of faith. I imagine him as an introverted yet deeply committed servant of Christ—qualities I see reflected in my own character. I will explore this further in an upcoming article titled “Andrew the Facilitator,” but for now, let us remain focused on this introduction.

    The Goals of Quiet Andrew

    This project has two primary aims: to document my reflections and curate Christian resources. It serves as both a tool for personal spiritual growth and a guide for others seeking to deepen their faith and understanding. In essence, it is a shared journey—a means to strengthen my own relationship with Christ while helping others grow in theirs.

    Secondly, this project forms the foundation of a “Neighborhood Mission” strategy—a gentle, non-intrusive approach to evangelism tailored for introverts and those facing similar challenges. The goal is to plant spiritual seeds in the local community, sharing truth and love without pressure or fear. As someone who is introverted, potentially neurodivergent, and familiar with barriers like social anxiety, PTSD, or depression, I understand the struggles with traditional evangelism. Yet, I firmly believe that God equips each of us uniquely to fulfill His purposes, regardless of our limitations.

      My Journey of Faith

      To explain the vision behind Quiet Andrew, I must first share a glimpse of my own journey. From childhood, I was an introvert—shy, sensitive, and contemplative. Social interactions often felt overwhelming, and I struggled to find my place in the world. Yet, it was in this quietness that the seeds of faith were sown. At the age of six, I encountered Jesus Christ through the AWANA program, a Bible-based children’s ministry dedicated to teaching the gospel and nurturing young faith. The program’s guiding verse, 2 Timothy 2:15, remains etched in my heart:

      “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

      My adolescence was marked by challenges—loneliness, bullying, and a sense of being “different.” Yet, through these trials, my faith endured. In adulthood, despite a fulfilling career in the video game industry and a loving family, I felt a persistent calling to ministry. Now, at 50, I find myself at a high point in life, ready to embrace that calling in earnest.

      Evangelism for the Introverted Soul

      How does one with “neurodivergent traits” and social anxiety pursue evangelism? Through Quiet Andrew, I aim to explore and implement methods of sharing faith that align with my strengths. Love—perfected in Christ—casts out fear, as 1 John 4:18 reminds us. It is this love that motivates my desire to share the gospel and provide a space for others who feel similarly constrained by fear or limitation.

      “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18 (NKJV)

      A Closing Reflection

      If the Bible is true—and I firmly believe it is—then the stakes of this earthly life are profound. It is a time of choosing, of sifting, and of seeking. God, the Master Architect of the universe, invites us to know Him and embrace the life offered through His Son. Quiet Andrew is a place for seekers of truth, for those yearning to grow in their relationship with Christ, and especially for those who long to share their faith but feel hindered by fear, introversion, or other challenges.

      May this be a space of encouragement, discovery, and hope. Merry Christmas, and may you find peace in Jesus Christ.

      With humility and love,


      Derek Andrew