We are truly living in unprecedented times and for many of us, the future is looking somewhat scary. The title of this reflection is also the title of a recent book by RT Kendal. I haven’t read it yet, but the title alone has given me a few things to think about as we enter 2021.
The children of Israel might have felt something similar as they were about to enter the promised land. Moses had died and a new leadership was in place. The enemies ahead looked powerful and there was a very clear need for God’s supernatural help in the battles ahead. Like the children of Israel, the questions for us at this point are whether we have the courage to step forward with confidence and in trust of our faithful and powerful God, or will we become silenced and paralysed through fear.
Although we may not necessarily know what lies ahead, we do know that we have a big God Who’s plans are ultimately wonderful and we need just to keep very close to Him and to worship Him in all our situations. Isaiah 55 is a sobering read, but let us remember lessons from verses 6 through 9. Let us,
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; (v6)
Let us remember,
“My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (v8-9)
As we seek to serve and to follow the Lord through 2021, let us remember the Lord’s ways are not necessarily our ways and that He has much greater wisdom. Let us take care in our discernment that we are seeking His agenda in all our circumstances, whether nationally and internationally, politically, or closer to home. In humility let us realise that our often strongly held convictions should be open to correction or modification in light of revelation from the Lord; and let us so far as we are able, seek to be aligned to His purposes in all things.
Let us pray today for grace to live and to walk close to the Lord, for ears to hear His direction clearly, and for courage to obey without hesitation.
Let us pray along the lines of,
Heavenly Father. We thank You that You indeed have all things in hand, and that ultimately all things will work out for Your coming Kingdom. We desire in these days to know You, to follow You closely and to obediently and courageously serve Your purposes. We ask therefore for that courage, for wisdom and clear sight, and for grace to be found faithful in the face of whatever is ahead. Amen