The act of looking forward is often accompanied with great pleasure of anticipation, expectancy, eagerness, hope, and the likes of these.
Another year is about to end and with great expectations, eagerness and hope, we look forward to the new year. We patiently wait to begin the New Year 2022 with anticipation for a better and prosperous year.
We often look forward because we desire to know and to see what is next. We set new goals with renewed vigor to accomplish them. We at times are looking forward to fulfillment of promises earlier made. Sometimes, it is a desire to be certain of the uncertain. We look forward to a good day, a good trip, a good outing, a good semester, a better relationship, and a more prosperous new year.
Have you ever thought that there must be something about the past and the moment we are in that makes us eager to be looking forward to something else? What is it about the past and the current moment that excites us to look forward? What is ahead of us that we long for? What was promised in past years that were not fulfilled? What failures did we experience that we need a restart?
As we look forward to the New Year, to fulfilled promises, to better jobs, to graduation from college, to starting a family, and whatever things we hope to accomplish in this new year, it is important that we do not forget to appreciate the past experiences of hard work, resiliency, determination and hope that saw us through to this moment. Let us take a moment to acknowledge God’s faithfulness in these periods, and let us encourage ourselves that no matter what the New Year has to offer – we will be okay.
God’s word through Prophet Isaiah to the righteous of Israel in Isaiah 3:10 was, “Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them, For they shall eat the fruit of their doings.”
This word is relevant to those in Christ Jesus. He is still saying to us, that it well with us. It is well with us when in a time and season that it appeared that the unrighteous are the only ones prospering more than the righteous. It is well with us when we feel like we are at a disadvantage because the world hates us for standing for holy and righteous livings. It is well with us when it appears our faith in God is not favorable to our expectations and our experiences.
Again, it is well with us because it is a word from God and we are to believe His word. So, let us look forward to God’s promises of hope, provision, safety, protection, deliverance and of salvation. Apostle Peter charges us in his second letter to look forward to what is greater than a new year. Please read 2 Peter 3:11-15 NLT
[11] Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, [12] looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. [13] But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness. [14] And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. [15] And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him
Verse 13 excites me – “But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.”
Imagine a new world filled with God’s righteousness. No killings, no crimes, no hatred, no evil but we shall dwell in love, peace, joy, and as one family. This day, I am looking forward to. Are you?
To be excited as I am, you must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God celebrated on Christmas Day. He was sent to us by God to show us the right way to live but was killed because of the wickedness of mankind. However, He rose up from death on the third day as He promised to conquer death and to redeem humanity from eternal destruction. He also promised to secure a place for us in Heaven, and to this I am also looking forward to be with Him forever😊
To share in this eternal joy and hope, you must give your life to Jesus Christ and make Him the Lord of your life. You must begin to trust His word and promises because He can be trusted. He has never failed on His word and promises to us His children. Jesus Christ cannot lie nor has He failed to perform on His promises. These two things He cannot do. He cannot lie and He cannot fail on His Word.
If it is your desire to know more about Jesus Christ and how you can have this hope and joy, join us this Wednesday into the New Year. Wednesday and Thursday services starts at 7pm and Friday’s meeting is from 9pm. as we meet for our end-year revival services as shown in the flyer. We will love to meet with you and share the love of Jesus Christ together. We look forward to seeing you as well.
On behalf of my lovely wife, Bose, my children and all members Revival Worship Center in Kennedale, and in Nigeria, we wish you all a Happy New Year 🎆
Shalom 🙏
Rev James Adeyeye
