January 5, 2017 It has begun! A brand new year has broken ground, its little green head peaks through the surface. In a house we had years ago, we could look out a large dining room window and see the spring plants breaking ground. Its such a joy to watch them struggle up to the sunshine in February. They were a true sign that Spring was indeed almost here. They struggled through the late winter snow storms, feeding on the moisture, gaining strength.

2017 has broken through the ground and is seeking the warmth of the sun. There are struggles to come, and late winter snowstorms to weather, but it is going to be a great year. God’s hand and His promises are covering it. Do you have any fears concerning this new season? Remember what God’s Word promises:

Isaiah 41:10

‘Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].’

Are you feeling threatened by a coming battle, a challenge? Remember our God has a strong word in 2 Chronicles 20 where Jehoshaphat is faced with an attack from a vast army of the enemy. Jehoshaphat calls for his people to fast and pray, and they come from all the towns and Jehoshaphat prays:

2 Chronicles 20:6-9,15-17

“Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. 7 Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 8 They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, 9 ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’

And the Lord responded:

15-17 ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.

16 Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem.

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”

We remember that sometimes the battle is God’s and we just give it to Him, take our positions and stand. What is our position? It is: faith entrenched within us, obedience to His Word a given, trust in God firmly in place, belief in His promises sown into the fabric of who we are. We stand staunchly in place and watch our God work.

Whatever our situation, we can depend on our God being faithful to us as we are faithful to Him. God will never let us down, because He loves us, and we can count on Him always doing what is best for us. This can be tricky, because sometimes what we think is best for us isn’t really; so we trust God’s focus will always be on the best. It's where faith and trust enter in. God knows everything past, present and future, so what He gives to us will take that into consideration.

Even if we are disappointed by His decision, trust God. And remember He is with us and helps us through each day and its troubles.

Isaiah 41:13(AMP)

“For I the Lord your God keep hold of your right hand; [I am the Lord],

Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’