Brothers and sisters, I don’t consider that I have taken hold of it yet. But here is the one thing I do. I forget what is behind I push hard toward what is ahead of me. I push myself forward toward the goal to win the prize God has appointed me to win it. The heavenly prize is Christ Jesus himself. Philippians 3:13-14 NIRV

The arrival of the New Year often brings mixed feelings. We’re not always ready to welcome change in our lives. We spend time wondering about what’s to come and forget God knows the plans He has for our days.

We will all go through seasons of circumstance. Some will be good and some will not. Some will test us to the limit and cause us to wonder if God is still working in our lives. But, through ups and downs and in-between, our mighty Creator remains faithful. He handles the worry of our wonder. He leads us where we learn how it feels to trust. He reminds us we are stronger than we think and helps us remember His timing is not our own.

Jesus leads us to the Father. He demonstrates the power of love and finds the way to help us persevere. He prepares us for the changes in our lives and reminds us why He is faithful. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus is the same today, yesterday, and forever!” What a beautiful promise to help us remember why we must ALWAYS trust.

When we are filled with wonder, we must put our hope in God. Our loving Provider WILL handle our days. He will move us along when we turn from our selfish ways, BELIEVE in the power of His will and patiently wait to receive the present of His presence in our lives.

How do we welcome 2017? We find STRENGTH to embrace what’s to come and COURAGE to remember GOD is with us. We find HOPE in the plans He has for our days and never forget who will handle ALL things. And, we embrace a grateful heart for the love of His faithfulness.

We must patiently wait, so we will discover how to remain faithful and welcome PEACE to persevere. If we make room for Jesus, He will dwell in our hearts. And, we will learn to recognize why we should love Him even MORE…

Dear God, Thank you for guiding us through the past and providing for our needs. You show us how it feels to embrace a grateful heart. Prepare us for whatever will come in this season of change. And, help us never forget why we must keep on moving toward the heavenly prize. Amen

~ God bless each and every one in the New Year ahead. May we never forget why He is worthy of ALL of our praise, faithfulness and love. ♥