HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Increasing troubles are expected year after year, and life catches us off guard at times. Yes, although we are His children and heirs, which are our main source of assurance, we also are His fellow sufferers and participation in Christ’s glory can come only through participation in His suffering. But with Christ as our Good Shepherd, all those troubles become an open window so that this world extremely darkened with sin can see His infinite power to deliver us from all our troubles (Psalm 34:19). As you have a pure faith in Christ, you also will have the mind of Christ. So be happy always and let your light shine brightly in the dark so that as darkness fades away people can see the right path which ends in God’s glory which is our share in Christ to enjoy forever (Romans 8:17). God is too wise to be mistaken. He has a divine purpose in everything He allows in our life and in His perfect time, He will unveils it to the praise and glory of His name.
Just remember always, if God gave us His Son to save us from eternal damnation which is the real meaning of Christmas, now we are assured that no single thing will He withhold from us. Stay and bloom where you are planted and rejoice, let God accomplish His plan through you. You are God’s light bearer. “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised” (Hebrews 10:35-36).
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” (Philippians 2:14-16a).
Be like Jesus, “When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly” (1Peter 2:23b). “Because in this world we are like Him” (1John 4:17b).
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is Mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give h something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:17-21).
I have such great joy seeing you trust Christ as Savior and standing firm in the Lord.
I say it again, HAPPY NEW YEAR!