We are living in the “Year of our Lord, 2019.” It is sometimes easy to forget our purpose and goal in life. Living and doing ‘life’ in this world is not always easy and it is especially difficult when we think we need to do it on our own. Not only do we need to cope with the consequences of sin in this world, but we also need to cope with it in our own lives and in the lives of those around us. And the consequences of sin are far-reaching. Work can be difficult, relationships can be strained and awkward, and our mortal bodies need to deal with tiredness, sometimes illness, and the frailty that comes with age and not least, death itself.
So, at the beginning of this New Year of service, let’s remind each other that 2019 is also a “Year of the Lord.” We don’t go into this New Year on our own. The battles we face as mortal human beings we face with the Lord by our side. He promised that He would go with us until the close of the age (Mat 28) and so we go into this year with much more confidence than if we had to go into this year all on our own. As Martin Luther penned in his well-known hymn, “Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing were not the right man on our side, the man of God’s own choosing. You ask who that might be? Christ Jesus it is He;”
Knowing that the Lord is with us gives us new energy and confidence for the work that He has called us to do. Our calling, amongst all the normal things we need to in life, may be a ministry in the local church and the surrounding community. He may call on us to lead a Bible Study group, be part of the music team, be a part of Lifted-Up, the audio-visual team, part on the flower roster or welcoming committee, or even to serve as an office bearer in the church. Whatever His call on our lives, we need to remember we don’t have to do it on our own for the Lord is with us and has promised to equip us for the task ahead.
There have been numerous leaders and workers in the kingdom who thought they were unable to do the task the Lord had called them to do. Moses was such a leader, but the Lord provided for him to lead His people out of slavery and towards the Promised Land. Paul reminds us that he, and I suggest along with us, can do all things through Him who strengthens us (Phil 4:13). That doesn’t mean we should do things that are not within our skill set, but it does mean we can all do something. As the saying goes, ‘many hands make light work.’ If you would love to help out in some area of service in the kingdom, let us know and we shall see where we can bless you with some opportunity to serve. So, as another year is dawning, dear Father let it be, in working or in waiting, another year with Thee; Another year of service, Of witness for Thy love; Another year of training For holier work above. Dear Father let it be on earth or else in heaven, another year with Thee. (PsH 475) JZ.