Thank God we made it to 2017. The first month of the year is literally over. What a blessing to have have made it this far. It’s been almost 2 years now but thank God I am here and I have not given up yet
Well, how was 2016?
Was it great? Did you walk in the perfect will of God, your love for God increased or any promotions at work, opportunities to do God’s work?
Was it rough? American Election? Brexit gone bad? Terrorist attacks? Inflation? Unexpected surprises?
I guess it all doesn’t matter anymore because God sustained us and we made it to 2017. To some of us, New Year means new opportunities, new hope and strength to carry on with the good works. So all hope is not lost at all. God sustained us for a great reason and purpose. New Year, New me and all the different New Year resolutions flying in the air, but hey it all comes down to one question? Does a new year really make us new? Personally I think it is a decision you have to make because consistency really requires the grace of God.
Well I have a few things to share to encourage us in this new year we're in. I call it the Practical steps to a greater 2017. So regardless of our circumstances we should see these steps as a charge to each and every one of us (including myself) and press on for a greater 2017.
The first step is putting God first in all that do. someone will ask, But what do you mean by Putting God first? Putting God first is mainly acknowledging God in all that we do. It could be a decision concerning a course, choosing a spouse or even choosing what university or college you want to go to. Naturally when we're making such decisions we just go with the flow and what we like more than asking for Gods opinion about such situations. So it's important that we aim to bring God into every step and decisions we make in 2017.
The second step is trusting God completely. Psalms 71:1 says “In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion” (KJV). The dictionary defines trust as having a firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone (in this case God). It is important that we trust in God completely because trusting in yourself or other men will only lead to confusion and disappointment. This step goes hand in hand with the first one actually. I say this because when we trust someone we will trust their input and seek their opinion in everything we do. So in a way trusting in God does not only save us from confusion as the verse says but it also leads us to seek him more and put him first.
My final point is Striving to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The bible refers to the Holy Spirit as our comforter, our helper and our advocate (John 14:26)
In this New Year my charge to you is strive to have an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit because he is our helper and through fellowship with him we'll be pleasing in the sight of the most high God.
Your year is looking great, so Get up with hope, Fix your eyes on Jesus, make a decision to walk closely with him this year, put him first in all your endeavours, Trust in him completely and he shall direct your path.
Well, I guess it's not too late to say Happy new year. This is your GREATEST year yet!!!
Louisahazel~
