Now that 2020 is in the rearview mirror, I am looking forward to fresh starts and new beginnings. I don’t know about you, but I learned a lot in 2020. Most importantly, I learned to trust God no matter what. And, as always, He’s proven Himself to be faithful. As we head into a new year, I believe God wants us to live with eager anticipation of what He will do.
When the Israelites were getting ready to enter the Promised Land, Joshua had a message for them. He told them to get ready because God had amazing things in store for them. Let’s get ready! Let’s be set apart and fully surrendered to God’s purposes, ready for Him to do amazing things!
“Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” – Joshua 3:5 (NIV)
When David cried out in the midst of his despair, he did so with confident expectancy that God would answer. He knew He was on mission for God, and He was on the lookout for answered prayers. Let’s stay on mission and keep watch for God to move.
In the morning I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly. – Psalm 5:3 (NIV)
When the prophet Micah warned God’s people that judgment was coming, he had confidence in God’s mercy and salvation. Only when we are waiting on God can we be completely confident in the outcome. Let’s trust God even in the waiting, assured that He is always doing something.
But as for me, I will look expectantly for the Lord and with confidence in Him I will keep watch; I will wait [with confident expectation] for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. – Micah 7:7 (AMP)
When the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth to encourage them, he reminded them of the amazing things God had prepared for them. The same is true for us. When we surrender our lives to God, amazing things are in store for us. Ultimately in eternity, but also here on earth. Let’s keep our focus on Jesus, love Him through our obedience, and anticipate more than we can imagine.
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” – 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)
When Jesus returns, it will be the culmination of our anticipation! Every day we are one day closer to seeing Him face to face. Let’s live every day like it will be the day our Savior comes.
We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. – Titus 2:12-13 (NLT)
As we brush off the dust of 2020 and head into the new year, let’s look forward with eager anticipation to what God will do. Let’s get excited for the future! Let’s step out in faith, trust God, and expect amazing things!
