As we come to the end of another year, what are your plans for next year? I am not one that tries to make resolutions for each new year because for most people these resolutions only last about one week before they are forgotten! I am not recommending any resolutions here, but what I am encouraging is for you to refocus on your purpose as a Christian. Ultimately, what is your purpose in Christ? Your purpose is to give glory to Jesus and to make His name known. As the pandemic drags on from one month to the next, I want to encourage you to think about the opportunity God has given you rather than dwelling on the things that you have lost due to the pandemic.
We are entering into a new year, but our purpose as Christians remains exactly the same. The world around us might look like a chaotic mess, and yet, we should have an eternal hope in Jesus that is worth telling people about. I want to encourage you to look at this year with optimism. Do not wait until the pandemic is over to live your life for Jesus. I want to encourage you to enter this new year with a passion, fervor, and devotion for Jesus. As Christians, God has placed us on this planet for a limited time before He calls us home to live with Him in eternity.
Why? Have you ever asked the question why? God has sent us to be a light in the darkness. We are ambassadors of the kingdom of God to a lost and dying world. Are you making the most of your days? What will the summary of your life be when you stand in the presence of our holy and perfect God?
Thankfully tomorrow is a new day. In Christ we are no longer defined by the mistakes of yesterday. Instead we are defined by the ongoing transformation that Christ is performing in our lives. Lamentations 3:22-24 says, “The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I have hope in Him.’” I pray we all find value in living each day of this new year for Jesus. We may never understand why God allowed the pandemic to happen the way it has, but maybe God has placed you here for such a time as this. I pray that your life would constantly display Christ in 2022 and for eternity to come.
In Christ, Nick, Amanda, and Julia Gagnon
