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REFLECTION

The way ahead is the theme for our reflection. The way ahead means looking to a brighter or more hopeful future.  Isaiah 43:18-21 is God’s promise of redemption to the Israelites who were in captivity in Babylon. These were people who desired to return home to reunite with their loved ones. They needed to be assured that the way ahead or the future is bright and that God would liberate and lead them through the wilderness and the desert and protect them against any form of danger. God assured them that He would provide water and tame the wild animals just like He tamed the lions when Daniel was put in their den. It is important to note that the salvation of the Lord will take away the sorrow and anxiety of the past and the way ahead or the future of Israel will be hopeful and brighter than the past therefore God assured the Israelites, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Isaiah 43:18, rather “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild beasts will honour me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise. (Isaiah 43:19-21).

My dear friend in the Lord, sometimes our past experiences and present circumstances can lead us to lose hope. The promise we receive in today’s reflection is that our past and present do not define the future or the way ahead so long as we repent, have a covenant relationship with God and allow Him to lead us and do His work in our lives. The only time the way ahead will look hazy with doubts and covered with dark clouds of fear and despair is when we are alone on the journey of life. David assures us that the way ahead is always safe when we walk with the Lord for he testified that “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalms 23:1-4) Similarly, Jesus knew that the way ahead of His disciples will be full of challenges when He was sending them to go make disciples, therefore, He assured them, “surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20). Beloved in the Lord, many of us went through very challenging experiences last year and the past few months, we were hit hard by sickness, financial challenges, unemployment, retrogression in business, disappointment in relationships, and failure in our investments and plans but here we are today. Ebenezer! Although we may currently be going through some difficulty of a sort, God’s assurance to us is that “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.” (Isaiah 43:18) for he is with us, the future ahead is full of His grace and providence, Psalm 91:7-8 assures us that because the Lord is with us on the way ahead “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.” (Psalms 91:7-8). Jesus is in the boat with us, therefore, we shall not fear the storms on the way ahead, when the storms hit us so hard and tose us violently, Jesus is there to command it, “Peace! Be still!” (Mark 4:39). My dear friend, don’t give up! When God leads it ends in praise, when God moves ahead of us we overcome the obstacles on the way ahead with praise. He assured the Israelites who yearn to be liberated that “the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.” (Isaiah 43:21) The way ahead in your marriage, business, academics, employment, and future aspiration will end in praise because the Lord has formed you for Himself and your life is in His hands. Shalom.

PRAYER

Almighty God, we are fragile and have no power of our own, we humbly commit our lives into Your gracious hands. Go before us and secure the way ahead so that we shall end the new year praising and glorifying Your Holy name. Amen