Dear friends,
New Years is a time of reflection and anticipation, a moment when the old and the new intersect. In the Bible, there is a verse that resonates deeply with the spirit of this season: "Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:19). This promise from God to Israel is not just about change; it’s about transformation and renewal in His relationship with them. It reveals a truth about God’s character. That He does not only seek to have a people, but to transform them and liberate them from their past.
The new year often brings along side it a refreshed desire for change. We make resolutions, set new goals, and seek new paths. However, it’s important to remember that true change, the kind that leaves a lasting impact, begins not with a change in circumstances or a calendar year but with a transformation of the heart. This is where God excels. God doesn’t just mend us; He transforms us. He makes pathways in our wilderness and rivers in our driest deserts. He turns our barrenness into fruitfulness and our sorrows of the past into joy for the future.
To embrace this transformation means letting go of the old habits that hold us back. It’s about surrendering our past mistakes alongside all of the regrets, and the ‘what-ifs.’ It’s about moving forward, not in our own strength, but in the strength of our God and Savior. The Apostle Paul encapsulates this beautifully when he says: "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before." (Philippians 3:13).
This new year, let’s focus on what lies ahead. Let’s prioritize our spiritual renewal. Let’s engage more deeply with God’s Word, strengthen our prayer lives, and seek fellowship with believers who can encourage and strengthen us in our spiritual journey. As we do these things, just watch and see how God can transform our lives into lives overflowing with His blessing and peace.
Remember that change is a process that does not happen overnight. We will have moments of victory and times of struggle. But through it all, let’s choose to hold onto God’s promise: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end" (Jeremiah 29:11).
As we step into this new year, let’s step in with the assurance that God can do a new thing in our life. Let’s trust in His unfailing love and His guidance for each day. May this year be one of spiritual renewal, deepened faith, and transformation in Christ.
