Moving into the New Year with confidence.
by David Silvester
Amidst all the uncertainties and insecurities of the present period of time we all need something to inspire and encourage us as we move into a new year, and Paul’s words seem to sum up what we should be aiming for as believers in Jesus.
Instead of being bogged down because of past failures or difficult experiences, Paul is looking ahead to the indestructible promises of God’s Word and is encouraging us to move forward with a positive objective in view.
We can’t change the past, so he says, ‘leave it behind and put it out of your mind.’ The future is already known by God, and He knows the plans He has for each one of us (Jeremiah 29:11). If God has promised that He will hold us with His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10) we know that no one can remove us from that safe place (John 10:28).
Let’s press on towards the finishing line where we will meet our Lord and Saviour, Jesus, and receive from Him those encouraging words, ‘Well done!’
There are some things that this world, with all its uncertain ways, can’t do for us or give to us, and one of these is our salvation, our eternal inheritance.
We know that we can’t be unaware of the things that are happening with the economy and the financial situation of the world around us, but let’s fix our eyes on Jesus and all that’s in store for us through Him. Let’s not allow the uncertainties of this world and its systems to disturb us.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord Jesus, that I can face the uncertain future with the assurance that I’m secure with You. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You, and be diligent in living for You, so that I receive Your ‘Well Done!’ Amen.
David Silvester is married and has a son, two daughters and eight grandchildren. He trained as a production engineer. He then moved on to become a lecturer of engineering craft skills before being called of God in his early fifties to become a pastor of a Baptist church. He says that,"having previously experienced an amazing healing on a day others expected me to die, it came as no surprise that God directed me and my wife, Margaret, to become involved with Ellel Ministries."
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