The beginning of a new year typically causes most people to feel hopeful. Everyone is so excited about new opportunities and the fresh start a new year brings. But for many, the end of a year can evoke a different set of emotions. As they look back over the year and ponder over things undone, and unaccomplished, it can cause feelings of hopelessness.
As we have entered into the last quarter of this year, those of you who may have had some unexpected disappointments or disappointments because the expected was not realized, please stay focused on the God who is able.
His ability does not end when the calendar year winds down. Your year is not over yet. He's still able. His plans for you have not changed. Don't forget who He is. You have to see Him as able.
He's the God for whom nothing is impossible. For with God nothing will be impossible,” (Luke 1:37 NKJV).
He is able to perform and carry out everything He promised in your life. He is not limited to a 365 day time frame.
We sing a song at my church called. "He's Able". It's a good song with a powerful message that reminds us of the ability and power of our God.
When we really grasp the truth of the fact that He's able, it will absolutely change our perspective of our circumstances. The fact that God is able must become more than just a song to us. Able defines who our God is.
The three Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, stood on this truth. They refused to bow down and worship the idol King Nebuchadnezzar erected. So, as a result, they were ordered to appear before the king. And as they stood before the king, he gave them another opportunity to bow down and worship his idol. And, if they chose not to, they would be immediately thrown into a fiery furnace.
The young men had a response for the king's threats. I'm sure it was not what he was expecting.
"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up,” (Daniel 3:17-18 NLT).
The truth that their God was able to deliver empowered them to stand in faith. Their failure to bow down and worship the idol caused them to be thrown in the furnace. But, because they trusted in the God who is able to deliver, they were not put to shame. (Read the rest in Daniel 3.) God never lets those who put their trust in Him be put to shame. Look at the following scriptures.
"No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause,"
(Psalm 25:3 NIV).
"Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame," (Psalm 34:5 NIV).
My sister, God will fulfill every promise and perform every word in your life. He will show Himself as the God who is able on your behalf. You will not be put to shame. Hold on to this truth.
Trust in His ability. Trust His timing. He never disappoints. Maybe you were hoping to see something He promised you manifest in your life this year. But, as of yet, it has not. God does not adhere to our calendars and clocks. It's going to happen at God's appointed time. Believe it. Don't throw in the towel and allow feelings of disappointment to overwhelm you. Continue to prepare and make room for the promises you are expecting.
Let your life of faith in this hour say to God, "Lord, I believe!"
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