Brothers and sisters in Christ, today I am writing my first letter to you for 2021, giving you what the Lord has put on my heart to share with you.
Thinking back at 2020, I know that we all had major challenges. The year 2020 will always be remembered for the virus that changed our lives, many lost their jobs, some ended up in extreme poverty and many lost their lives. Then we all still had to deal with our own challenges that had nothing to do with COVID-19. What a year!
As hard as it might be, we need to put 2020 behind us and approach 2021 with new hope for the future. We read in Is 43:18-19: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us move forward, put 2020 behind us and trust God for “new things” in 2021 and beyond.
We have heard so many times during 2020 that the way we are living now is the new normal. Well, as Christian, let us be careful to speak these words over our lives, as we serve a God of wonders who can change things at the blink of an eye. I will not accept it to be the new norm, I will put my trust and hope in the one and only living God, and that He will change things around for His children in 2021. I believe He is going to do something new. Hallelujah!
I know that 2021 will bring challenges, that is part of life, but we need to have a positive mindset and walk in faith, as I know that is what our Lord and Saviour wants from us. Furthermore, let us not live in fear, not for this virus, nor for anything else that we might face. Let us not worry about what is to come.
We read in Matt 6:34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” The whole point of being a follower of Jesus is to trust Him always. The purpose of the enemy is to force us to live in fear. What will you choose? Who will you believe? Who will you trust? I choose Ps 25 verse 1: “In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.”
Life is not easy and its probably not going to get easier either, but God also made many promises to His children, therefore stand on those promises and do not let the world proof you otherwise. Continue to walk in faith, spend time in the Word of God, have faith and keep your focus on the things that matters.
I would like to end by speaking Numbers 6:24-26 over and into your life: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
God bless you!
Jaco van As
Managing Director