PASTOR'S CORNER

Real Winners

Rom. 4:20-21 (LB) Abraham never doubted. He believed God, for his faith and trust grew ever stronger, and he praised God for this blessing even before it happened. He was completely sure that God was well able to do anything He promised."

Folks, as we approach the end of the year, we appreciate that we have experienced various events in the past year, which would compel to us reflect and wonder how we got through the year. Some may look back over the last 11 months and be satisfied with their accomplishments this year. Others may have mixed feelings as their aspirations and dreams may not have been fulfilled. The remainder may want to bury their head in shame and might be overcome with depression owing to their failure to achieve their set goals. There may be those, who might wonder what the Lord has done for them this year and a few may say, "I had a lot of goals and dreams for the year, I confessed the promises of God for my life, but this year has turned out to be the most uneventful year so far."

Owing to the disappointments, which we have suffered this year, there may be an inclination to adopt a nonchalant and defeated attitude towards the year 2006. We expected so much in 2005 and supposedly received nothing, thus we could approach the end of this year and go into next year with an attitude, which would hinder us from receiving the glorious things, which God has in store for us. May I suggest three things that will put this year into perspective and give you hope for the coming year. Remember that the way you exit will determine the way you enter a new season.

1. Never Lose Hope: The only thing that never fails in life is hope. Romans 4:18 When all seemed hopeless, Abraham believed anyway, deciding to focus not on his shortcomings, but rather on God's promises. Therefore, he was made father of a nation. God said to him, "You're going to have a big family, Abraham." Hope is such a marvellous thing. It bends, it twists, it sometimes hides, but rarely does it break. It sustains us when nothing else can. It gives us a reason to continue and the courage to move on even when we know that we would prefer to give in. The bible says in "Rom. 12:12 (GN) Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times." When you lose hope, you lose your joy and the right to live a purposeful life. Hold on your change is coming.

2.. Don't Quit on Your dreams: A man is never beaten when he is defeated, he is beaten when he quits. Some of us have suffered setbacks this year and we are tempted to throw in the towel. I have news for you - no-one, who has enjoyed significant success escaped the gaping jaws of failure. Failing does not make you a failure. When we fail, we are given the opportunity to start again in a better way. No one's life is an unbroken chain of victories. We all experience setbacks, defeats, losses and failures. No-one bats 1000%. We all make mistakes.
Since failure is inevitable, one of the most important life-skills you can learn is how to respond to it. Thomas Edison, the Father of the electric bulb achieved his goal and succeeded in 1879, after spending $40,000 and performing 1,200 experiments. Successful people know how to turn every failure into a learning experience - a stepping-stone to future success. As you approach the end of the year visualise all your setbacks and failures as a part of the road to your victory. Your setbacks will always make you stronger and better.

3. There Will Be an Expected End: Jer 29:11 I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for. Folks, believe this Word as this year draws to a close. Whatever you lose, God will make it up and reimburse seven fold. Joseph spent more time in the palace than in the pit and the prison. The children of Israel spent more time in the land of Canaan than in the wilderness. If you hold out you will eventually hold on. Things do not just happen. For every action there is a reaction. Have a vision for next year and flow with it regardless of this year's setbacks. Remember that every bit of progress, which you make in life, must begin with a vision. Your position tomorrow is simply a reflection of your vision today.

I stumbled across these words and I want you to confess them as you round up the year. All good things will surely come to you. This year is not yet over and God is certainly not done with you yet.

I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense and my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colourless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living and dwarfed goals.