January 1, 2024: Finding Strength in God

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Overcoming Life’s Battles with God’s Strength

By: Sharon Campbell-Danvers, Kings Seventh-day Adventist Church

2025 is here!
As we enter a new year, many will create resolutions and lay petitions before our Heavenly Father. How we begin the year can shape how we finish it. Remember, God is the Alpha and Omega, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). He hears our desires and knows what is best for us, beyond what we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Jesus knows the battles we will face this year.

As children of God, we must be conscious of the spiritual battle we are engaged in. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4). Whether we are battling stress, unemployment, anxiety, depression, unfaithfulness, or other trials, let us take heart: God has already gone before us, fighting on our behalf (Deuteronomy 31:8). Victory is assured when we rely on His power and wield the weapons of prayer, fasting, and faith. "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee" Isaiah 43, KJV).

In the Bible, God instructed the Israelites to mark their doorposts with the lamb's blood during the first Passover. He said, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt” (Exodus 12:13). Similarly, I pray that you apply the merits of Jesus’ blood to your life and heart. Through His sacrifice, we can declare that evil, defeat, and failure will pass over us.

It is not by our strength but through Jesus Christ that we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). Let us move forward into 2025 with faith, trusting in His power and promises.

A Prayer for the New Year

Dear Lord,
Thank You for granting us the power to overcome life’s battles. As we embark on this new year, we humbly ask You to go before us and prepare the way (Isaiah 45:2). Guide us, protect us, and help us to rest in the assurance of Your victory. As daughters of the King, we claim Your power, anointing, and forgiveness.

Help us put on God's whole armor: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word (Ephesians 6:10–18). May we reflect Your love, grace, and strength in all we do. Thank You for being our refuge and strength, our ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Photographer: Shaqueena Danvers

Comments

  1. Sista D-Vers1 January 2025 at 01:52

    What a beautiful way to start the New Year. I pray that your lives will be impacted significantly as you are drawn closer to Jesus Christ.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kerry Ann3 January 2025 at 09:18

    What a heartfelt and encouraging message! It's so true that relying on God's strength instead of our own is key to overcoming life's battles. Let us all strive to surrender our fears and challenges to Him, trusting fully in His power and plan for our lives. Together, we can find strength, peace, and guidance in His presence. Let us lay our burdens at His feet and allow Him to work in and through us. May we remain steadfast in faith and continue to inspire and support one another as witnesses for Christ. Thanks for sharing, sister!

    ReplyDelete

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