Watch night service. Big events. Celebrations across America. Lots of folks will we bringing in the new year in a big way. For most of us, saying goodbye to 2010 and hello to 2011, represents new beginnings, starting fresh, and wiping the slate clean. But, for God, who is confined to neither time nor space, the new year doesn’t dramatically alter His plans in any way. All the great things He started in 2010, will continue when the clock strikes twelve tonight.
When we scream out “5, 4, 3, 2, 1… Happy New Year!!!!” there won’t suddenly be a dramatic shift in God’s sovereign will. In fact, the good work he has already begun in your life and mine, will move along without interruption. The Bible says in Philippians 1:6, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
In other words, God’s work in our lives is ongoing, and will not be completed until Christ returns for His church. So we can rest assured that the Father is refining, pruning, and preparing us daily, so we can live according to His divine plan. As long as we remain connected to Jesus Christ, the true vine (John 15), we will remain in position to reap a harvest of souls for the Kingdom, and live the abundant life Jesus Christ died to give us all.
Right now, as you gear your mind toward the new year ahead, I want to focus you on what matters most—staying in position for God to continue His good work in your life. Be submitted to Him. Be obedient to His word. Isaiah 1:19 says, “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.”
Know that God is not through with you yet. He has good things in store for you. Don’t get preoccupied about what will happen in 2011. Don’t start making a long checklist full of your plans. Rather, commit to being clay in the hands of the Potter. Let Him mold you into the vessel He wants you to be.
In 2011, know that God’s good work will continue. Just be resolved to be more malleable in God’s hands. Let Him have His way in your life. Since you already know His plans are good, simply concentrate on being a good servant, who follows your Master wherever He leads you.
I just want to conclude this post by saying, Happy New Year! Thank you for all your support in 2010. You have been so wonderful and loyal to me, that words cannot express my sincere gratitude. I truly could not ask for a better blog family to share my life with everyday.
TODAY’S PRAYER: God, as 2010 comes to a close, help me remain focused on what matters most—being consistent in my walk of obedience with You. Help me not to be preoccupied with what the future holds, but to be confident that You will lead me, guide me, and keep me. Strengthen my resolve and desire in 2011, to live out the good plan You have already begun in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
