As the calendar flips the page into a new year, I’m reminded Paul gave us his example in Philippians 3:13-14 that we should forget the past and strain forward to the future, reaching for the prize of the call of God in Jesus Christ.
It’s been a challenging two years. This has been our generation’s moment in history, and tragedy has struck many. But, people of God, if you are reading this you are still standing so our Lord has further plans for you—plans to prosper you, to not harm you, but to give you hope and a future. And that indeed is comforting knowledge.
Seasons—and our lives—follow cycles. Neither good times nor bad endure in this life. The pendulum swings one way then the other, and God uses this in infinite wisdom to prepare us for eternity to come.
Take heart and confidence, whatever current trial you face will be replaced by prosperous blessings, and vice versa. Keep the peace of Jesus in your heart regardless of what comes. If you but read to the end of the holy book, you gain the wisdom to know we are on the side of ultimate triumph. You will judge the world and the angels (1 Cor 6:2–3). Trust in His wise purpose and charge boldly into the future. God has you covered. You’ve made it this far and the trend will continue. Just let go of what was and embrace what will be. As Enzo Ferrari, winning racer and maker of the famous Italian sports car quipped, “What’s behind you doesn’t matter.” And the future in in God’s most capable hands.
Lord, thank You for making such a wonderful future and for guiding us into it lovingly. Increase our faith and give us strength of spirit so that we see Your guiding hand in every circumstance. We know the end is better than the beginning. In Jesus’ name, Amen.