A new year of 365 days is coming. A new year for new opportunities for success and prosperity—- and failure and suffering.
To face the new year realistically, we must realize that there will be both success and failure——- prosperity and suffering.
Sometimes success and prosperity can be as devastating to a person as does failure and suffering. Money, prestige and success do not spell lasting happiness. These may all be gone in an instant.
So, how do we face this new year, knowing that we’ll have all these experiences both good and bad?
First, be certain that God has a prominent place is in your life and in your plans.
"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." [Psalm 127:1]
Remember, that God comes into and works in your life only with your permission through prayer:
" Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in....."[Revelation 3: 20]
Second, having done this, trust in God’s care for you as His child. In the following verse all things mean exactly that— ALL— things, good and bad, pleasant and not so pleasant.
"...And we know that in all things God works for good to them who love God, who have been called According to his purpose." [Romans 8:28]
Finally, do not dwell on the past, whether good or bad, but trust God for your future.
" .... but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I pressed toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. [Philippians 3:13,14]
Whatever success and prosperity you have experienced in the past, thank God for it, but don’t dwell on it, just press on.
Whatever failure and suffering you have known in the past, learn from it, forget it, and press on.
Remember and do not forget, that God loves you and has a great plan for your life, but only by your permission.
Right now, bow your head and say “Lord, I give you permission to change my life for the better and I thank you for doing this.” And then do not be surprised when you see good things happening in your life! Give God the credit and share these blessings with those around you, and they will be blessed also.
Just keep on keep’n on.