Roshith Sebastian

We have entered into a new year. The previous year was filled with many memories – good and bad. For some people, last year was a beautiful one with a lot of takeaways while for others, it might be a year that they would like to forget. It is normal for everyone to wish that the good things continue and the bad things are bid a farewell along with the previous year. But, does it always go as we wish? One of the old sayings goes like this: “Man proposes, God disposes” . This means that whatever we wish, it is God’s will that prevails. This does not mean that we should not have any expectations for a happy life and everything happens based on a prescript called “fate”. This is a reminder that our desires do not outweigh the plans of the creator, who has better plans for us. Let us try to understand what God has in store for us. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 The plan of God is for us to have a prosperous future. HE is our loving father, who loves us more than any earthly father. HIS love for us is beyond measure. HE gives us hope for a blessed future. It is usual to wonder that if God wants me to have a prosperous future, why did I face the hardships in life? This question disheartens many people to a point where they become without hope. The good news is that, there is still hope, even if the last year gave you bad memories. The past of the person does not define the future. But the same actions yield same results. If someone continues the life in the same way without making any effort to change his life, then it is normal to end up in the same situation as earlier. If someone makes an effort to change his life, God has promised that the past does not have a hold on your future. This is HIS promise, and HE does not make hollow promises. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” Isaiah 43:18 We should obey God and accept his guidance to see HIS plan fulfilled in our lives. In this festive season when we celebrated Christmas, did we really live with a Christmas experience? Do we understand the sacrifice made by Jesus, to come down to earth as a man? Our former life might be tempting as this is the comfort zone where everything is familiar. But, as it is often said a comfort zone is a beautiful place where nothing grows. When things do not go as we want, the usual practise is to blame God for whatever that has happened. On the contrary, if things are going on well none thank God for the wonderful things that is being done by HIM. Bible says that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17). So, every time we receive something good from God, HE should be thanked for showing his love towards us. The life of Job is a perfect example for us to follow. He was blessed with children and abundant wealth (Job 1: 1-3). In the first 2 chapters, it is seen that Job loses all his wealth and also his beloved children. His health also took a toll as he lost everything, then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” Little did he know that his troubles were not from God, but from Satan. Job endured the tribulation and emerged victorious at the end. He was able to withstand and be grounded during the bad times, which enabled him to receive the blessings later. He did not question God during his hard times, instead thanked him for the blessing that he once enjoyed. The tribulations and the testing that occurs in one’s life is brought by the enemy. God does not tempt anyone into committing sin. But, HIS absence can cause hardships. This can be easily understood by using the example of light. Darkness is prevalent everywhere. But, when the Sun rises or light is turned on in a dark room, there is light so that we can see. Once we do not have a source of light, darkness takes over. Darkness need not be invited, it is always present. Similarly, where there is no presence of God, evil dominates. In simple words, evil is the absence of God. The evil one does not bring anything good. Jesus said “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10). It is an individual’s decision whether HE has to be invited into their life. Although God will never force his way into anyone’s life, HE will always fill HIS presence whenever HE is given the space. This is an individual decision and someone else cannot decide it for you. If we wish to have peace and goodness in our life, we should get out of our comfort zone and invite Jesus into our lives. He declared: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12). This light will drive away evil from our life and will let us enjoy the good things that God has planned for us. HIS plans are for a prosperous future with hope. Let us make the New Year into more than just the flip of a calendar to a different number, but to submit ourselves and accept the