Fear is a very real enemy that often shows up when we endeavor to take the next step in our journey with God. The book of Joshua begins with the instructions that Joshua received after taking over the leadership of God’s people following the death of Moses. Joshua is entering the unknown – facing a season of life where he has no prior experience. Three times Joshua is told to be courageous. Then, God encourages him, “Be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9) God promised Joshua, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (Joshua 1:5) What a great dose of encouragement! You and I will face unknowns – new challenges – in 2015, but we can take courage that our God is with us in the same way that He was with Moses and Joshua. He has promised “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)
As we enter this new year, it’s important for us to reflect on the past. We can be thankful for what God has brought us through and the progress that has been made. 2014 was a great year for Bible Baptist Church. We have much to be thankful for. We should celebrate the victories, and learn from the valleys that God brings us through. All of us face hardship and we must choose to either let it cripple us and define us, or make us stronger. If we draw strength from the trials that we face then we are able to share that same strength with others who are sure to face similar hardships. (2 Corinthians 1:4)
But we cannot stay in the past. The past is over – it’s in the history books. 2015 is here. We can look forward to the future – not through fear-filled eyes – but through the eyes of faith, trusting in God’s promises and courageous through His Word. Don’t worry about the unknowns of 2015 – just be concerned with living for God today. If we choose to live for God today and tomorrow, He will take care of the year before us.
