“So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed”.
Acts 19:20 NKJV
As the year ends, many of us reflect on our blessings and testimonies. Rightly so, because God deserves all the thanks for everything. As we ponder these blessings with joy and anticipation, let us also consider the gospel. The growth and spread of the gospel are strong indicators of an excellent year for a believer.
Remember that a good year is not only judged by what was gained physically, but also by how firmly the gospel stood, grew, and worked within us and through us. This season of thanksgiving is a call to thank God for His free gift of salvation, which has redeemed you and all your fellow believers, especially those who were saved this year.
Imagine how it is in some country, state, or city in the world, where some people may never have heard about the gospel until someone preached to them this year, and they believed. This is enough to get us excited and rejoicing, for we see the effective spread with our own eyes.
As the year ends and we express gratitude, be reminded of the core of your thanksgiving, which is complete faith in Jesus. We see from the scripture that we are made children of God not by our efforts, backgrounds, or past actions, but by believing in His name. There is no other name that offers salvation. This must be a reason for heartfelt gratitude.
Also, remember that you do not just believe in the name of Jesus; you also believe in the message, which is the gospel itself. We have heard it, believed it, and therefore share it all. Glory to God! Jesus has done it all for us; He died, He rose again, and through His resurrection, we have received the gift of salvation. What a beautiful story!
Listen, this gospel is for everyone. No matter the past, no matter the story. Anyone who believes receives this gift of eternal life. God desires that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Knowing this gives us confidence in what we believe and gratitude for what we have received.
So, as the year wraps up, thank God for the gospel. Thank Him that His word did not fail. Thank Him that it prevailed. Thank Him that you still believe and that through you, others can hear it and believe.
A good year is many things. But above all, it is a year in which the gospel grew mightily and prevailed.
Rejoice!
Bible Reading Plan: Micah 1–3; John 18:28–19:11