“Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
God the Creator is the giver of many wonderful new things. We come to Him by faith in Christ and He gives us new birth. He then gives us a new nature, a new heart, a new life, a new hope, and a new purpose for living. Finally, at the end of the way, He will give us a new body in a new home called Heaven.
Nothing in Heaven ever grows old or worn out. “Behold, I make all things new.”
Despite the fact that we are living in a time of growing uncertainty and things seem to be getting darker by the day, God has once again given us a new year – another 365-day journey around the sun. This could be a new start, a new opportunity for us as believers to not just survive but to rise to things that He has in store for us. God can and will, despite everything going on in the world around us, supernaturally enable us to be victorious overcomers in this new year of our lives.
But, I believe that there are certain provisos for us to overcome. First and foremost will be the need for us to ensure that our relationship with Jesus is vital, intimate, sincere and consistent.
But how do we ensure that our relationship with Jesus is such that we can overcome?
1. There must be the element of Consecrated Christian living. We need to submit to the sovereignty and authority of God the Father. He will marvellously enable us to live to His Honour and Glory.
2. There must be a return to the Bible as God’s rule and standard for our lives.
We can’t neglect the Bible and still survive and overcome in perilous times. God’s Word contains all the truths we need to guide us in His ways.
3. There must be a premium placed on prayer.
We need to learn to depend on the supernatural ability and power of the Holy Spirit. “Evening, morning, and at noon will I pray and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.” (Psalm 55:17)
4. There must be the element of witnessing for Christ.
We can be sure that our Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, and Everlasting Father has the supernatural enabling power for us to overcome whatever this new year has in store, but only through a real living relationship with Him, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
A Prayer: Father God, thank you for yet another new year. Help me to love you in Christ Jesus so that I may come through this year victoriously to the glory of your name. Amen.
