Out with the old, in with the new
Here we are again folks, at the end of another year, 2023, and about to start anew, 2024.
I’m not sure how many of you are feeling right now, knowing this, but as for me, the end is more important than the beginning. Yes, we are entering into that century’s adage of, “Out with the old, in with the new,” but the end of a thing, we find oftentimes, is more valuable than the beginning of it. Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NIV) says, “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride,” meaning that, when you all look back on the whole year of 2023, especially for those of you who are feeling like you’ve endured so much, know this, that everything you went through, it was only to prepare you. Don’t let the devil deceive you into thinking this is the end of your story. It’s not. This is God’s way. This is how He exercises our faith. Therefore, it will get better. If you’re telling yourself that 2024 is your year, your season, and your time, then hold on to that. Don’t let no one deter you from how you feel or think.
When it comes to new beginnings, perseverance is the path. A new beginning requires patience. James 5:11 (NIV) says,” As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The LORD is full of compassion and mercy.” So, through your great suffering of 2023, like Job, remain faithful to God, even going into your 2024. If you didn’t throw in the towel then, don’t throw in the towel now. Whatever you didn’t accomplish last year that you want to accomplish this year, this is what all God’s promises are for: to raise our hopes in expecting that things will certainly lead to a good end. God’s faithfulness will ensure that you are not disappointed.
When you sit and ponder about the end, about the old, remember that you are stronger for it; better for it, but if you’re one who’s taking your old into your new, then consider what Jesus told us in Luke 9:62 (NIV), “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God,” meaning that your 2024 New Year’s resolutions are going to require sacrifice, commitment, and dedication of not looking back. Saying farewell to the past, what you believe to be your ending, is just your beginning, where God set up your setback to be the best comeback you’ll ever have. Your trials and tribulations all of 2023 were just a test, they were just a trial run, and you are still running your race, so don’t look back at your past. Keep your eyes on your work, be about God’s business, and where it will take you in the future. Jesus wants us to look straight ahead into 2024 and leave our old lives behind. If someone is plowing a field and looks back, they will naturally be turning and not plow in straight rows. Basically, “You steer where you look.” Therefore, looking straight ahead while saying goodbye to 2023, steer yourself straight into 2024 and what God has in store for you.
Our end is more important than our beginning for a reason and that’s because setbacks are not disasters, delays are not denials, and reversals are not losses. By this very route, the Lord gets to His goal. Jeremiah 31:17 (NIV) says, “There is hope in thine end, saith the LORD. We can live with the immediate if we look for the ultimate. Until next time folks, Happy Blessed New Year!!
