Starting the New Year Faithful: Trusting God Through Every Season Ahead

Starting the New Year Faithful

By Brenette Wilder

At the stroke of midnight on December 31, once again, we bid farewell to the old year and welcomed the new. Lifting our glasses we make a toast to what has passed and salute the new year ahead. It’s the only tradition I know that brings a family of all ages together, long past their bedtime, to celebrate, shoot fireworks, or in some cases party to the break of dawn.

Some communities celebrate by preparing traditional foods for good luck and prosperity, while others dive into their planners to set goals. Even businesses and churches will start their year introducing changes to strengthen their productivity or identify pitfalls to avoid for the new year. Let’s face it, we all want a successful year. But if we don’t remain faithful and consistent, achieving a goal can easily remain a dream.

In all honesty, I have no idea what the year will bring. But I sincerely pray, that whatever happens in life, you will remain faithful in your Christian walk, so that your lifestyle is believable and seen as genuine. It’s the same message that was given to the Church of Smyrna recorded in the book of Revelations. In this story, God encourages the church through a difficult period. In Revelation 2:10b, He said “I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! … Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give your life as your victor’s crown.” The Message Bible phrase the last sentence this way, “I(you) have a life-crown sized and ready for you.”

Faithfulness to God for the Church of Smyrna was high-risk living. The king would not accept anyone but him as Lord and the synagogue leaders belonging to Satan wanted them thrown out of the city, dead or alive. Therefore, the church longing for the future didn’t include losing weight or adopting a healthier diet plan, they wanted to feed their family. They desired protection against false charges that could put them in prison.

Thankfully the writer didn’t leave the Smyrnaeans without words of encouragement. At this critical point in their life, they would need reminders and something to cling to during the upcoming years (Revelations 2:8-11). Jesus' life story would be that encouragement. The very first sentence of the message to the Church indirectly reminds them that Jesus also faced hardships. He was lied on. Beaten. Hung on a cross and died but is now sitting in Heaven. It may sound like an odd way of encouraging someone, but if God didn’t withhold suffering from His Son, who sits in Heaven, it’s not surprising that the Smyrnaeans might suffer also. In fact, James 1:12 tells us that blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved [or, passed the test] he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

This early connection between Jesus and the Church of Smyrna becomes a modern way of pinning a thought as priority. The thought is to never quit believing. Even the historical context of the city’s background helps to message this idea. For instance, history records that the Church of Smyrna was built upon a city that faced complete destruction in 600 BC. It was dead and deserted. However, the city was rebuilt and brought back to life again around the 3rd or 4th century. The New Bible Commentary also noted that “the image of the phoenix, the legendary bird that rises from the ashes of its destruction, was applied to Smyrna.”

What imagery of rebirth, life, and new beginnings embedded in Smyrna’s history! I love how each narrative seamlessly weaves together the city's history, its challenges, and the community's resilience, suggesting that with faith, the Church of Smyrna can rise from the ashes, as the city had done before.

And you know what? No matter what you might go through you can too.

Tribulations will come. People might speak negatively against you. You may be down to your last dime but continue to trust God. He knows your circumstances. More importantly, He knows your future.

You are wealthy beyond belief! You have a home in glory! So, be encouraged and have a Faithful New Year!

Continue Fishing with - Net.

Brenette Wilder Author of Netted Together