As this new year dawns, we are excited to set aside the past. Yet, as challenging as 2020 has been we have an emotional connection to the past year. It has shared bad times with us for sure, but there have been good times as well. 2020 has witnessed our tears and our smiles, our achievements as well as our disappointments. We have become comfortable with uncomfortable, like a dear friend. 2020 stands as a faithful reminder of our very existence and the storms of life.
As Joshua surveyed the Promised Land after the death of Moses, he was not dreaming of the time in the wilderness. The time in the wilderness had been difficult but also good for Joshua. Though all of his family and friends had passed away, he rose to a position of leadership and prominence. He had become successful during the time of wandering. He had survived and even flourished when no one else could. Joshua was blessed for his faithfulness through the challenges of life in the wilderness.
The Lord said to Joshua, “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers.”
Joshua 1:6
We now stand at the dawning of 2021 unsure of its intentions. But like Joshua, God blesses us with a purpose, a calling, and the ability and resources to fulfill it. Be strong and courageous! Comfort those lost and hurting around you. Encourage the brokenhearted. Love the marginalized and forsaken. Many are seeking a way out of the wilderness and into the land of promise. In 2021, make the commitment to no longer be consumed with the past but to look forward to the hope and joy Jesus Christ brings to the whole world. Be the godly, faithful leader someone is searching for and the Lord will surely bless you. All it takes is a faithful willingness to let go of the past and take hold of the future.
Jonathan Sullivan is the Pastor at First Baptist Church, 1201 Western Circle Dr., in Dimmitt, Texas. Small groups meet on Sunday morning at 9:30 and Worship is at 8:30am and 10:30am. Check us out at fbcdimmitt.com for more events and times. You belong at FBC!