Let God Do a “New Thing” in You
As we enter into a new year, we commonly hear phrases such as: “out with the old in with the new,” “should old acquaintance be forgot,” or “New Year’s resolution.” However, the New Year gives us a refreshing opportunity to reflect, meditate, or ponder how God has blessed us and made ways for us in the past year. In Philippians 3:13, Apostle Paul reminds us to forget those things which are behind, and reach forth unto those things which are before. God has blessed every human being with a complex mind and the ability to remember. Although it may be virtually impossible to remember everything, we can govern our minds and choose not to remember past stumbling blocks, failures, bad addictions and habits, hurtful relationships, and disappointments. Paul goes on to say in Philippians 3:14, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” We need not to dwell on the negative experiences of the past year and claim to make new resolutions, which usually are superficial, in the New Year. We can, however, make new personal fruitful commitments or vows to God and our loved ones; learn from past shortcomings and mistakes; and allow God to do a “new thing” in you. Paul encourages us even further in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature, old things are passed away; behold all things become new.” What an encouraging word for the believer in Christ! Allow God to do a new thing in you this year and forget those obstacles from the past year that have hindered you from reaching your goals and doing the will of God, and by the way” Happy New Year!!!
Deacon Jeff Howard
HTC Men’s Department