Weekly Devotional

2008 has gone, 2009 has come! For most of us this past year was the best of times and the worst of times. Every year, upon reflection, is a mixture of blessings and challenges. Those of us who experienced more on the 'challenges' side of things are probably embracing the opportunity for a fresh start with a new year. Some may even be hoping that the new administration, this New Year brings, will be the solution to their frustrations and concerns. Others may choose a resolution to bring about the change, peace and hope that they are looking for.
There is nothing inherently wrong with placing one's hope in the turn of a calendar page, a political shift or the desire to implement a personal improvement. These are, however, temporal - subject to change - with the human error factor embedded in each. There really is only one "sure fire, take it to the bank, put all your eggs in one basket" solution and hope. It's putting your trust in the One True God. The Creator of the universe, who delights in being our Father, is all knowing, all powerful and ever present.
I heard a woman say recently that she had held the view of Almighty God as being an authority figure just waiting for her to mess up and then punish her. Thankfully, she found her perception to be incorrect. Our Lord, is full of love, grace and mercy. He is faithful and a God of second chances, (and 3rd and 4th...). Our Verse To Chew On speaks of this. Just as the New Year follows Christmas, a new beginning follows and encounter with Christ. God loves each of us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to give us a fresh start - a new life, (see John 3:16). When we accept Jesus as our Savior, God gives us a clean slate. Not only does He not hold our previous sins and less than stellar moments against us - He chooses to not even remember them any more, (see Micah 7:19). Talk about ushering in a new year, how about a new life! According to our verse it's a chance at a new life as a whole new person, if we choose to identify our self with Christ!
Now, does this mean that our new life or our new year will be perfect if we choose to embrace God? Not by the world's definition! Although the Lord chooses not to remember our poor choices and mistakes, we often are left to deal with the fall out. But God, in His grace and mercy and love, does not leave us out in the cold to trudge through the deep stuff alone. According to Romans 8:28, if we keep our focus on Him, He can and will bring about good from the messier things in life. I have seen His faithfulness fleshed out in my life so many times that I no longer refer to these messes as crisis or even challenges - I now refer to these as opportunities to grow. These problem situations become my opportunity to grow in Christ-like character and develop a more intimate relationship with God as I trust in Him. This new chance at life doesn't even mean that we won't continue to mess up. But God, in His infinite wisdom and love, has got this covered too. 1st John 1:9 lets us know that when we do sin, fall short and blow it, all we have to do us bring it before God and He will forgive us again!
Whether we are entering this New Year considering a new relationship with God through Jesus Christ or we've walked with the Lord a long time, we can embrace 2009 with confidence. Confidence in knowing that the One who will never leave us or forsake us, holds every detail of our life and this new year in the palm of His loving and mighty hand. I don't make resolutions because, frankly, I stink at keeping them! I do intend to enter this New Year with my eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith, (Hebrews 12:2). Knowing that come what may, He is the source of my security, peace and joy and only through Him will I see fruitful change. Won't you join me in the great adventure that awaits us in 2009 with Him? ~Michelle