As we move into the new year of 2019, many commentators will raise questions such as, “What will happen in 2019? Will we see further tensions between the leading military and economic powers in the world? Will the American economy slip into a recessionary period? Will the stock market go up or down? Will political divisions continue to increase?” These are only a few of many important questions that come to mind as we look forward and seek to anticipate the major events and trends of 2019?
How should we as Christians face a new year and the combination of opportunities for ministry and mission and the many challenges we will face as we seek to fulfill the good and perfect will that God has for each of us individually and collectively? While the secular world will spend a lot of time and energy in making predictions as to what lies ahead in 2019, those of us who walk daily in the faith of Jesus Christ should be strengthened by the reality of what we know by faith and as a result of our relationship with Jesus Christ. In these uncertain times, as least from a worldly perspective, we as believers are able to live each day as a new day of hope and opportunity in Jesus Christ. While we may not know with certainly specific events of 2019, we are certain that Jesus Christ is with us each step and each day; that God is in charge; and that Jesus Christ will return some day for his church.
Please take time to consider the truth in the following scripture references that are offered as we move forward in 2019:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
“Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him” Psalm 98:1.
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” Romans 8:18.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” Isaiah 43:19.
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” Ephesians 4:22-24.
“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” Jeremiah 29:11.
“Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:23-24).
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” (1 Peter 1:3).
Let’s live 2019 as people of faith and hope because of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ!