“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10 NKJV.
Welcome to the first weekly devotional recap of the year.
This week’s articles spanned the end of 2024 and the beginning of the new year, and they encouraged us to have faith and trust in God’s capabilities instead of ours as we transition from one year to the next.
We started the week with a reminder that starting well and staying on track are both crucial in every race. In your walk of faith, it is natural to feel tired toward the end of the year, but these moments are not the time to give up; instead, they are opportunities to lean into God’s strength and finish well. Even when you feel weak, let God’s presence be your confidence and source of strength (Isaiah 40:29).
Tuesday’s article encouraged us to use the year’s end to renew our faith in God’s promises and look ahead with hope. Throughout the Bible, God prophesied His salvation plan in Christ (Luke 24:44-46), and though it sometimes seemed out of reach, He fulfilled all that He willed. The incarnation, death, and resurrection of Christ prove that God keeps His Word. As you close one chapter and step into another, let God’s reputation of faithfulness strengthen your hope.
We began the new year on Wednesday with a charge to enter 2025 with full confidence in God’s power and backing (Isaiah 41:10, Joshua 1:9). You can trust His timing and methods, even when they differ from your expectations (Exodus 14). Amid this year’s trials, remember you have a present help to strengthen, comfort, and guide you (Psalm 46:1). With God, you can face whatever lies ahead without fear.
On Thursday, we learnt to stay tenacious despite setbacks. No matter how last year went, refuse to let discouragement limit God’s work in your life (Psalm 48:71). Recognize the great power at work within you (Ephesians 3:20) and that defeat is not in your DNA. Let Isaac’s example encourage you to keep trying until you see God’s will for your life established (Genesis 26:17-22). God wants you to try again with Him, and this time, with even more tenacity. You are not alone; you have His backing.
We ended the week with the reminder that no matter how big your achievements were in 2024, you should strive for more (Philippians 3:13-14). Instead of holding on to past successes and refusing to move past them, take stock of how far God has helped you and let that inspire you to trust Him for even more (1 Samuel 17:37). Approach this new season with faith, knowing that your best days are always ahead of you.
Dear believer, choose to go through 2025 with God. Because He is with you, you can do anything (Psalm 18:29).Happy New Year!
Bible Reading Plan: Genesis 9-14, Matthew 4:12-5:37