“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Gal 6:9
As the new year begins many people use it as an opportunity to make a new start. It is helpful to review the past year and plan ahead. When we have had a difficult year we hope the turning year will be a turning point for our circumstances. When this doesn’t happen it is easy to feel discouraged and give up. We are tempted to think we are in the wrong place, at the wrong time, doing the wrong thing. We begin to doubt that we heard God as our circumstances scream “failure”. Of course, sometimes we do make a mistake and we need to go back to God and find His plan for us, but often we need to persevere until we get a breakthrough.
In Hebrews chapter eleven we read about men and women who lived faithfully despite varying levels of suffering, some being delivered, and others giving their lives. We cannot assume that problems mean we are not in God’s will, or that success means we are right on track. God’s plan is unique for each person and comparison is often unhelpful and discouraging.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Heb 12:1
The saints who went before us cheer us on as we complete our section of the race and hand on the baton to the next generation. Our decision to persevere or to give up will affect others, even though our walk is individual. We are part of something greater. We cannot see the whole picture as God works the individual strands together, but He is able to create something wonderful as we submit to His leading and trust Him with the outcome.
For those who persevere there is a reward in heaven even if we get none on earth. If we chase fame or approval of men we may be constantly changing our focus in order to gain earthly success. This would be a poor substitute.
So when you review your past year and plan for the next, don’t be pressured into coming up with new exciting plans because it is expected. Lay it all before God and ask Him whether you should begin something new or press on into what you have already begun.
“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.”
Heb 10:36
