IN THIS NEW YEAR …
- Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
- Jan 1, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 2, 2022
Today’s Reading:
John 11:1-44
“Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless, let us go to him.” …. 38Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days. 40Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” 41Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” 43Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Lose him, and let him go.” (vv. 14-15, 38-44)
In this new year, by the grace of God, I would be focused. I would let it sink within me that God does not do things in our worldly timing. He works out His purposes to suit His own timing and pleasure. And so, I have resolved to patiently work with God! We are all workmanship of God. Jesus loved his friend Lazarus and his sisters. On hearing that Lazarus was very sick, He delayed two days before going there. To make the people believe that God has sent Him. At this time Lazarus was dead three days before. When we ask for something from God and it seems He has delayed in answering, let us continue to give praises, thanks, and worship Him, as we continue with our prayer requests. He has said in all things, we should give thanks, praise, and glorify His name because it is all to His glory. As soon as Martha saw Jesus, she said, Teacher, if you had come earlier, our brother, Your friend would not have died.
Fretting, feeling of illusion, confusion, and bitterness towards God is not the way out of unfavourable situations, but thanking and praising him for who He is, and what He can do, is the way forward. When we walk with the Lord in the light of His word, He sheds His glory on our path. God hears our prayers and cries, He knows before anything happens to us, and he has plans to see us through. But our reactions and responses hinder the move of his power.
I am sure many have resolved to abandon the faith because of what has been happening to them or around them for some years now. As children of God and believers, let us patiently walk, work with God, and let Him have his way. This does not mean we abandon prayer, all manner of prayer, our spiritual warfare, or put our Bibles aside. In fact, this move will strengthen our faith as we patiently walk with God this new year. Has He said it, and has it not come to pass? God is not a man that He should lie, neither a son of man that he should relent on the good things He plans to do and give us. And who is it that commanded, and it comes to pass when God has not commanded it? He created the heavens and the earth by His power; He established the world by His Wisdom, and He spreads the heavens by His discretion. What a wonderful God! No matter what technology or science is telling us, GOD IS FULLY IN CONTROL OF HIS WORLD, and whether we like it or not, He will surely carry out His plan and purpose. And the gates of hell shall not prevail.
We dedicate this edition of the devotional to our brothers and sisters, young, old, and aged, all over the world, especially, our nation going through pains or are hurting, homeless, are sick or desperately lacking one thing or the other. The power of God that brought Lazarus, dead for three days to life is still on the throne and He is our God.
God has given us the power to tread upon serpents and scorpions (Luke 10:19). He is mindful of us, and He has crowned us with glory and honour. He has made us have dominion over the works of His hand. He has put all things under our feet. All sheep, and oxen, the beast of the field. The fowl/bird of the air; and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passes through the paths of the seas (Ps. 8:3-9). Our God is excellent!
Your focus this new year should be:
To be strong in the Lord and in the mighty power He supplies you, remember to always put on your whole armour of God. Wear it night and day (Eph. 6:10-11)
Fight the good fight of faith with all your might, but remember that the weapon of our warfare is not carnal but mighty through God to pulling down of strongholds (1 Timothy 6:12)
Be wise, and be vigilant, the devil your enemy is roaming about looking for who to devour (1Peter 5:8-9).
Guide your heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23).
Do all in your power to retain and maintain the power that God supplies you.
Walking and working with God patiently and with humility
Daily refresh the Spirit of God with fresh infilling and anointing (Acts 1:8)
Continue with all manner of prayer, making your request known with thanksgiving
Studying the word of God is your weapon of defence and offence.
Obedience to all commands of God, not picking as it suits you.
Daily cleansing and purifying our heart and mind, and letting the Holy Spirit take control of it.
Be mindful of those around us that are hurting, and your service of generous giving of love, and substance.
Always make use of the power in the covenant blood of Jesus (Rev. 12:11)
Soak yourself in the mercy of God
As I conclude, once again, we wish our Readers a merciful, favoured, happy, joy of the Lord, prosperous, and good health in the new year.
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
Prayer:
Father thank you for another year here on earth to proclaim and serve you, in Jesus name.
Create in me a pure heart, renew a right, teachable and humble spirit with me, in Jesus name.
Father, that I may know Christ and the power of His resurrection, in Jesus name.
Father release your fire and power on Christian families and homes, in Jesus name.
Father, thank you for healing the wounds of the people and of our nation, in Jesus name.
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