35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will
never pass away. 36 But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the
angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Matthew 24:35-36
Once again we are at the
beginning of a new year…2012. Some of us have embraced it and look forward to
what this year has to offer, while some are terrified of the end that 2012
could bring. Worldly concepts would have
us to believe that this year will be the last for mankind as we know it. The prediction
of man’s annihilation and the earth’s demise at the end of 2012 has been
discussed, debated, and has wrought fear in the hearts and minds of many. But
as believers we must be wary of false prophets (1 John 4:1-3), and focus on the
one that was here from the beginning and will be here at the end. God alone is
the Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 22:13), and we must look to Him for
security and protection in the face of the unknown.
We all have heard at one time
or another that the end times are near; but we have been on the cusp of that
since the Word manifest itself. Yet we are still here; mankind will be here until
God says otherwise. Only God knows what this year will bring for us and He has
the final say. So fear not, because God is in control and the truth from His
Word gives us courage to face the unknown. In the Bible there is a “fear not”
for every day of the year, all 365 of them; and with 2012 being leap year, take
that extra day at the end of this month to praise God for his protection and
provision in the face of our fears.
Remember that Ruth walked
away from all she had known to face unknown territory, unknown people, and to
be of service to a different God. But she moved forward and left all she knew
behind her and she did so in faith (Ruth 1:16). Saul of Tarsus had been a
persecutor of the church and found himself blinded on the road to Damascus.
There, he encountered Jesus and became renewed (Acts 9:4-6); and as Paul, he
faced the very people he had persecuted, proclaiming the Good News of a risen
Savior. As we continue to move through
this year and face the unknown, be of good courage and move with an unwavering
faith in a God that says He will never leave nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). Praise the God of
Ruth and Paul, the Almighty God of Israel, for when we stand on His faithful promises,
we won’t fall for man’s frivolous predictions.
So for the rest of this year,
stop worrying about the time we have left and do something with the time we
have right now. Pray like there is no tomorrow. Praise as if your life depended
on it. Worship with all that you are. Give until you feel you have nothing left
to offer and then give some more. Serve as if you were the only one capable of
doing so. Love until your heart breaks open from it. And laugh like your joy
and strength to do all things comes from an almighty God!
Prayer: Father God, we call on you to lead and guide
us as we navigate our way through the remainder of this year. We have dreams
and goals that we want to be fulfilled and we look to you for your will to be
done in our lives. Rescue us from our temptations and protect us from the evil
that seeks to destroy us. Bless our families, our homes, our finances, our
ministries, and all things that we do that will glorify you! Thank you for your
continued grace and mercy and it is in Jesus’ name that we pray, Amen!
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