“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
— Hebrews 12:1-2 (KJV)
For many of us, 2015 got the best of us. We had great intentions and grand ideas; however, the stress of everyday living can sometimes prove to be overwhelming. One writer said, “When I would do good, evil is always present.”
But we serve a God of fresh starts and new beginnings, and even when we stumble, he provides a means for us to renew ourselves back to him. Every day won’t always be easy, but the Bible tells us in the third chapter of Ecclesiastes that, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
Knowing this, we can better understand that it’s OK to cry, for a season. It’s OK to struggle, for a season. It’s OK to mourn, for a season. However, there is a promise that joy is coming in the morning!
The power of every Christian is to know that God is with us every step of the way. We, however, must run the race that is set before us with patience. 2016 is filled with expectations, accomplishments and the achieving of goals, but you’ve got to stay in the race. No giving up, no throwing in the towel, no going back, but patiently move forward day by day and step by step. God has placed greatness in your path, so stay the course and run for your life! Nobody can be you but you!
We have been fearfully and wonderfully made. In other words, God says that we are unique individuals, a designer’s original. The kingdom needs you to stay in the race and be the man or woman of God that he has called you to be.
So, as we go into the new year, lay aside every weight and sin, knowing that you can look to Jesus. He is the author and finisher of our faith.
Don’t stop running and moving forward in the Lord.
Happy New Year!
Hayes is the pastor of New Day Community Church and president of the United Ministerial Alliance.
We serve a God of fresh starts
Pastor's corner
Sign up for our e-newsletters