Looking back for encouragement

by Jon Konnerup

It is nearly impossible to erase negative memories of this past year or even years gone by. In order to have true joy, we must try our best to break free of the influence those hard times can have on our lives. “New year” not only conjures up thoughts of excitement and anticipation as we look forward to the things it will bring, but it also conjures up fear of the unknown and the uncertainty of the future with its “fiscal cliff,” new taxes, and the economy. As I ponder each of these concerns, I cannot help but be anxious and sometimes afraid of how they will affect our missionaries and mission efforts.

However, one eventful day from the past — Christmas day — gives us reason for hope when uncertainty creeps in and tries to steal our joy. When you think about the difference the birth of baby Jesus has made in the world, this alone should always bring joy to our hearts no matter what may come our way. Jesus came as the Savior of the world!

Actually, Jesus came as the first missionary sent by his Father over 2,000 years ago as the Light of the world. His identification as the Light of the world means He was truly a light that would illumi­nate the entire world with the knowledge of God and His redemptive love. This Light was meant to shine not only in our hearts, but it was intended to dispel the darkness in Africa, Asia, and every continent — the uttermost parts of the earth. There is one thing we can know for certain about the New Year — God hasn’t changed. He is still in control, and His mandate to us as His children is the same, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” God is still working, still saving, still drawing people to Himself; and He is look­ing to us to continue sharing that message wherever we go, wherever we are in the world, and to everyone we meet.

Are you ready for the New Year? Take a moment to reflect on the day Jesus was born. He was born as the Savior of the world — the Light of the world. New years may come and go, but these things remain the same — God, the fact that people are either saved or unsaved, and that God has given us a job to do until He calls us home. Let this new year bring to you a renewed resolve to serve the Lord with gladness as never before — around the corner and around the world.

Are you uneasy about what the new year might bring? Before you move into 2013, stop and look in the rearview mirror of this past year and joyfully realize that God meant it when He said, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee,” so we may boldly say, “The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear.”