Time has flown by! Tomorrow, should the grace of God allow, we will greet the first day of the new year. 2011 has been a year of new experiences for some and tragedy for others. We have definitely been reminded of the brevity of time for the coming of our Lord; the signs have been more pronounced than ever before. We should know where our priorities lie.
2011 brought with it an increase in natural disasters. Storms, cyclones, floods, tornadoes, tsunamis and earthquakes have been commonplace, and the second biggest nuclear disaster the world has experienced since Chernobyl shocked the world. In addition, we face the imminent spectre of global warming which threatens life on our planet. No doubt, greater challenges await us in 2012 as the Bible decrees that this world will be shaken to its core before the return of Jesus Christ.
2012 indeed promises to be an eventful and exciting year. Some believe it will be a year of apocalyptic proportions, literally! With the end of the Mayan long count calendar, some believe that the 21st December 2012 will mark the end of the world as we know it.
However, despite all these daunting challenges, we have the assurance of our Lord that He would never leave us, nor forsake us and that He would be with us even unto the end of the world, whenever that may be. We have the assurance of the prophecies to guide us in the days that lie ahead so that we are not perplexed. The Word of our Lord is to us a guiding light into a brilliant future with Him. We need not worry about the day of His return coming as a thief in the night, for we have been forewarned and are eagerly awaiting His return. Though we sleep, like the ten wise virgins, we will have our lamps trimmed and the oil of the Holy Spirit within us so that we will be ready for His glorious and much awaited return.
In this world, we have sorrow and pain but Jesus has commanded us to take heart, for He has overcome the world. He has laid the groundwork and the strong, sure foundation of our salvation rests upon Him. He is our Rock and our Fortress, our ever present help in the day of trouble. Our enemies may come against us armed and dangerous, but like David of old we can say: “You come against me with a sword, spear and shield. I come to you in the Name of the Lord…”
As we enter the New Year, let us do it in strength and boldness and with great faith that despite the challenges, it will be a year of victory. Let us leave behind the worry and anxiety that the uncertain future brings and instead leave that future in the capable and strong hands of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He is our Defender, our Protector, our Saviour, our Providence and so much more! As your first leap of faith, I encourage you to not to procrastinate with those New Year’s Resolutions! Work smart, play hard and exercise hard in the New Year. Do all things for His glory. Never forget, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!
Matt 28:18-20, 1 Thes 5:2-5, Matt 25:1-13, Phil 4:13, Phil 1:21, Ps 91, 1 Sam 17:45, Matt 24
