A Successful Journey
A Successful Journey: Navigating the New Year with Purpose and Faith
A Successful Journey: Navigating the New Year with Purpose and Faith
As we step into a new year, it’s natural to feel a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. We stand at the threshold of 365 days filled with potential, yet we cannot see what lies ahead. This moment calls us to reflect on our spiritual journey and how we can make the most of the time we’ve been given.
God, in His infinite wisdom, always looks at the end of our journey. As we’ve been graciously allowed to see this new year, He already has in mind our expected end. The question we must ask ourselves is: Are we set for the journey?
To begin this year wisely, we should start by envisioning the end – to prepare ourselves for a successful journey by the time we close this chapter. We serve the Lord God, Jehovah Almighty, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. His thoughts for us are always to give us an expected end, as we’re reminded in Jeremiah 29:11.
However, we must also heed the wisdom of Proverbs 27:1: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” While we may not have a clue about how this year’s journey will unfold, we have the assurance that He who has begun a good work in us will see us through to completion in Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).
When we embark on a journey, we typically consider two main points: the point of departure and the expected point of arrival. Between these two lies the journey itself. If we’re familiar with the route, we can prepare for likely encounters. But life often takes us on new paths where we have little to no clue of what we may face.
As believers, our goal is clear. We are God’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:13-21). Psalm 100:3 reminds us, “Know that the LORD, He is God. He has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.” We have been crucified with Christ, and now we live not for our own pleasure but with the consciousness that it is Christ who lives in us.
For a successful journey, we must fix our eyes on the goal. As Paul says in Philippians 3:14, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” We’re encouraged in Hebrews 12:1 to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
Our journey will be successful if we accomplish the mandate given to us. Jesus commands us in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.”
Commitment is key to a successful journey. Jesus warns us in Matthew 24:12-13, “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” Endurance and perseverance are crucial to reaching our destination.
We must also build a strong support system. The Bible admonishes us not to forsake assembling together (Hebrews 10:25). To be counted among the faithful few, we can’t afford to stand alone. We need to cultivate a network of support and improve our emotional intelligence.
As we navigate this year, we’re called to give diligence to make our calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10). Nobody misses their departure point – we all know where we are. The challenge often lies in identifying our destination and figuring out how to get there. One thing is certain: those who walk in the light cannot stumble.
Isaiah 2:5 invites us, “O house of Jacob, come and let us walk in the light of the LORD.” This is our year to embrace that light, to let it guide our steps and illuminate our path.
As we embark on this journey, let’s pause to pray:
“O Lord, as You have graciously given me this opportunity to journey into this new year, may I diligently make my calling and my election sure. May I walk only and always in Your light. May I indeed start this journey with clear goals and determination to fulfil my mandate.
Lord, in a world where iniquity abounds and the love of many grows cold, keep my heart warm with Your love. Help me to endure, to persevere, and to run this race with patience. Strengthen me to be Your ambassador, to share Your gospel, and to make disciples as You’ve commanded.
Guide me in cultivating a strong support system of fellow believers. Help me to be diligent in assembling together with others, encouraging and being encouraged. Improve my emotional intelligence so that I may navigate relationships and challenges with Your wisdom.
Father, as I set out on this journey, I acknowledge that I don’t know what each day may bring. But I trust in Your promise that You have good plans for me, plans to give me a hope and a future. Help me to walk in Your light, to make choices that honour You, and to keep my eyes fixed on the goal of Your upward call.
May this year be one of spiritual growth, of deepening my relationship with You, and of effective service in Your kingdom. Let my life be a testament to Your grace and a beacon of Your light to those around me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
As we step into this new year, let’s do so with purpose, faith, and a commitment to walk in God’s light. May our journey be successful, not just in worldly terms, but in fulfilling God’s calling on our lives. Let’s encourage one another, persevere through challenges, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Here’s to a year of spiritual growth, impactful service, and drawing closer to our Lord and Saviour.
Credit:
This blog is from a sermon titled "A Successful Journey" by Pastor Angela Idowu. She is the Global Missions Director at Occupy World Outreach Ministry Inc.
A Successful Journey: Navigating the New Year with Purpose and Faith
As we step into a new year, it’s natural to feel a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. We stand at the threshold of 365 days filled with potential, yet we cannot see what lies ahead. This moment calls us to reflect on our spiritual journey and how we can make the most of the time we’ve been given.
God, in His infinite wisdom, always looks at the end of our journey. As we’ve been graciously allowed to see this new year, He already has in mind our expected end. The question we must ask ourselves is: Are we set for the journey?
To begin this year wisely, we should start by envisioning the end – to prepare ourselves for a successful journey by the time we close this chapter. We serve the Lord God, Jehovah Almighty, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. His thoughts for us are always to give us an expected end, as we’re reminded in Jeremiah 29:11.
However, we must also heed the wisdom of Proverbs 27:1: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” While we may not have a clue about how this year’s journey will unfold, we have the assurance that He who has begun a good work in us will see us through to completion in Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).
When we embark on a journey, we typically consider two main points: the point of departure and the expected point of arrival. Between these two lies the journey itself. If we’re familiar with the route, we can prepare for likely encounters. But life often takes us on new paths where we have little to no clue of what we may face.
As believers, our goal is clear. We are God’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:13-21). Psalm 100:3 reminds us, “Know that the LORD, He is God. He has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.” We have been crucified with Christ, and now we live not for our own pleasure but with the consciousness that it is Christ who lives in us.
For a successful journey, we must fix our eyes on the goal. As Paul says in Philippians 3:14, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” We’re encouraged in Hebrews 12:1 to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
Our journey will be successful if we accomplish the mandate given to us. Jesus commands us in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.”
Commitment is key to a successful journey. Jesus warns us in Matthew 24:12-13, “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” Endurance and perseverance are crucial to reaching our destination.
We must also build a strong support system. The Bible admonishes us not to forsake assembling together (Hebrews 10:25). To be counted among the faithful few, we can’t afford to stand alone. We need to cultivate a network of support and improve our emotional intelligence.
As we navigate this year, we’re called to give diligence to make our calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10). Nobody misses their departure point – we all know where we are. The challenge often lies in identifying our destination and figuring out how to get there. One thing is certain: those who walk in the light cannot stumble.
Isaiah 2:5 invites us, “O house of Jacob, come and let us walk in the light of the LORD.” This is our year to embrace that light, to let it guide our steps and illuminate our path.
As we embark on this journey, let’s pause to pray:
“O Lord, as You have graciously given me this opportunity to journey into this new year, may I diligently make my calling and my election sure. May I walk only and always in Your light. May I indeed start this journey with clear goals and determination to fulfil my mandate.
Lord, in a world where iniquity abounds and the love of many grows cold, keep my heart warm with Your love. Help me to endure, to persevere, and to run this race with patience. Strengthen me to be Your ambassador, to share Your gospel, and to make disciples as You’ve commanded.
Guide me in cultivating a strong support system of fellow believers. Help me to be diligent in assembling together with others, encouraging and being encouraged. Improve my emotional intelligence so that I may navigate relationships and challenges with Your wisdom.
Father, as I set out on this journey, I acknowledge that I don’t know what each day may bring. But I trust in Your promise that You have good plans for me, plans to give me a hope and a future. Help me to walk in Your light, to make choices that honour You, and to keep my eyes fixed on the goal of Your upward call.
May this year be one of spiritual growth, of deepening my relationship with You, and of effective service in Your kingdom. Let my life be a testament to Your grace and a beacon of Your light to those around me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
As we step into this new year, let’s do so with purpose, faith, and a commitment to walk in God’s light. May our journey be successful, not just in worldly terms, but in fulfilling God’s calling on our lives. Let’s encourage one another, persevere through challenges, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Here’s to a year of spiritual growth, impactful service, and drawing closer to our Lord and Saviour.
Credit:
This blog is from a sermon titled "A Successful Journey" by Pastor Angela Idowu. She is the Global Missions Director at Occupy World Outreach Ministry Inc.
Recent
Archive
2025
2024
September
November
2020
February
June
No Comments