“Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert”—Isaiah 43:19, NKJV.
“Behold, I will do a new thing.” These words from Isaiah 43:19 remind us that change is inevitable and we must be prepared to embrace it. New challenges and new opportunities come with each new year. The new year is a time for reflection and renewal. It is a time to look back on the past year and to consider what we have accomplished and what we have yet to achieve. It is also a time to look forward to the future and to set new goals for ourselves.
Ellen White asked, “A new year opens its unsullied pages before us. What shall we write upon them?”—Signs of the Times, January 5, 1882. Our time is measured and limited. We must use our time wisely and make the most of every opportunity that comes our way to allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and bring us ever closer to having the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5). As we face the challenges and opportunities of the new year, we can take comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone. We have a God who is with us every step of the way, guiding and supporting us as we navigate the twists and turns of life.
The new year also reminds us that we are pilgrims. Heaven is our final destination, and Jesus will return very soon to take us home. As we go through life, we must keep our eyes fixed on Him and remember that our ultimate goal is to be with our Lord and Savior.
So let us embrace the new year with hope and optimism, knowing that we “can do all things through Christ who strengthens” us (Philippians 4:13). Let us earnestly ask for the Holy Spirit and follow as He leads us into new experiences and new ideas for ministry, and let us be willing to take risks and step outside of our comfort zones. For it is only by doing so that we can truly grow and thrive. May 2024 bring you joy, peace, and prosperity, and may you be blessed in all you do.
