13 Brothers and sisters, I can’t consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don’t look back, I lengthen my stride, and 14 I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 3:13-14 (God’s Word)
My friend, we have stepped over into the dawning of another year. This is a time many are in the mode of reflection, focusing on the year that has passed. Others are looking toward the New Year with uncertainty…unsure of what to expect. Regardless of what the past year presented; whether joys, tears or both—there is nothing we can do about it. In fact, we cannot do anything about yesterday at all! There is only one thing we can control—the decisions we make today.
With 2014 in our proverbial rear-view mirror, I choose to have faith in God and the determination to follow Him and His Word! Looking back will not bring change or improve the things I wished had gone different. Looking forward to the New Year can be challenging as well because of all the things that may be unstable at best. But my hope does not rest in the past or the future; my hope is in the Lord Jesus and His sacrifice for me.
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]—John 16:33 (Amp)
Far too long we have taken our cues from the world and placed our reliance in its people and systems, only to be left disillusioned. This is not supposed to reflect the testimony of Believers in the Lord Jesus. However, it should be understood that this will be our lot if we are not firmly grounded in hope and trust in the Lord and the victory He has provided for us! This victory is won but we must take a determined stand against everything that is standing against us.
Notwithstanding, of where we are and what we may be facing right now, Jesus has overcome the world and its ability to harm or conquer us. It is our responsibility to receive what He has given us and to build our lives and our world with it. Do not get me wrong, I know it is easier said than done and we will take some hits in this world but we cannot stop or quit…we must move forward with absolute trust and dependence in God!
We must be determined to see the end of our faith. We must be determined to experience the fullness of what God has for us despite all signs to the contrary! If we believe all the so-called experts, all is lost and we don’t have a chance…but that is not what the Word tells us. So let’s take a stand and be determined to believe God. Let us make a decision to look forward to the future with faith!
I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness
in the exuberant earth.
Stay with God!
Take heart. Don’t quit.
I’ll say it again:
Stay with God.—Psalm 27:13-14 (Message)
Have Faith1st
©2015 Faith1st Ministries
Share this:
Sebastian is a Christian, Author and Church Leadership trainer. His ministry calling, love for God, and His people; has led him into ministry of all types for over thirty years. He and his wife enjoy helping people in their walk of faith and finding solutions to the struggles of life, especially in the area of healing and marriage. Faith1st Blog is designed to open and continue the discussion on the subject of biblical "faith" as a "living" element of the Christian life. - "the just shall live by faith" - Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38 (KJV).
Faith1st Ministries 
Leave a Reply