All is well!

Last week, I suggested that we use the beginning of this month of December to take stock of our lives and resources in order to ensure the success of 2015. I said that it was good and wise to reflect upon the reasons for the success and/or the failures of (some of) our 2014 goals and resolutions. This week, I would like to encourage you to give thanks.

1. For all the successes in 2014 because, ultimately, if some of your goals and resolutions came to pass, even if this happened because you took the necessary decisions or implemented some key changes, all the glory belongs to GOD. Indeed, the Bible exhorts us never to think in our hearts that it is our strength, intelligence or ‘natural talent’ that has made us succeed and prosper; but to remember that it is the LORD who gaves the power to acquire wealth. We possess nothing that we have not received: NOTHING. The One who is gracious to whom He is gracious has given us ALL (Deut 8:18, 1Cor 4:7, Ex 33:19).

2. For your future successes in 2015. The same GOD that has been with you in your past successes will also be with you in 2015. You will succeed.

3. For all your "failures" in 2014. Indeed, no failure is destined to be permanent. After rejecting his offering, GOD said to Cain: “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it (Gen 4:6-7). In other words, it’s pointless being angry or depressed because this or that has not worked or come through this year. 2015 is a brand new GOD-given opportunity to change the end of the story. A new opportunity to finally rule over that bad habit that you’ve not been able to overcome in years. If you do well – by implementing the adjustments mentioned last week – you will succeed in those areas and lift your head up. Be thankful to GOD for this opportunity and all the victories that you can already envision in your spirit by faith. Also, as my pastor often says, “If you have lost something, it’s because of GOD that you have not lost everything.” I paraphrase: even if some of your 2014 goals and resolutions did not happen as expected, it’s because of GOD that the others did.

4. For your "failures" in 2015. Despite all your efforts and good will, maybe some of your wishes will still not come to pass in 2015. it is not because GOD doesn’t want you to be happy - He only has happiness plans for you and works to give you the best possible future (Jer 29:11). He is Love (1Jn 4:8) and is therefore incapable of wishing you any evil. If He says: "No" or "Not now; not in 2015", He knows what He is doing and it's the best decision that can be taken concerning you at that point. Trust Him and give thanks for His love, kindness and wisdom. 

Have a great week thanking GOD: He is GOOD!