The day before new year is traditionally a day devoted to making resolutions. However;
most of us find ourselves repeating the same resolutions year after year. So much so, that it becomes an opportunity for our friends or family to make fun of our lack of accomplishment. "Here they go again” is often said in laughter.
As we transition to a new year, allow me to share some thoughts gleaned from a recent conversation with a dear brother. Many things happened to the children of Israel before the transitioned out of Egypt, among them are three things I wish to share with you.
- God gave them favor
- He led them out with a mighty hand
- Blood on their door post
‘The Lord had made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians’. Ex 12:36
Every Israelite was paid in full for their labor in Egypt. The same masters who cheated them of their wages suddenly became friendly, but by no choice of their own. Somehow, every Egyptian realized that it was in their best interest to be generous to their slaves. When God gives you favor, your enemies and all who once hated you will quickly become gracious toward you out of self preservation and not because you have done something extraordinary. Remember that they were robbed, cheated and abused till God favored His people
Led them out with a Mighty hand
You brought your people Israel out of Egypt with signs and wonders, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with great terror. Jeremiah 32:21 (NIV)
For over 400 hundred years, the Egyptians and their Pharaohs showed no sign of graciousness nor kindness till they conceded that the holding of Israel in slavery is the reason all of Egypt was under God’s judgement. Through out this coming year be mindful that without God’s judgment on your behalf the world won’t acknowledge how special and peculiar you are to His purposes. Trust God for a miraculous year. Miracles happen every day, more so to those who expect. If you know you serve a supernatural God then live every day of 2017 with expectations of the miraculous.
'Where there is no expectation, God won't show up'
Blood on their door posts
‘Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the door frame. None of you shall go out of the door of your house until morning. When the Lord goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the door frame and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down’. Ex.12:22-23
Before leaving 430 long years in Egyptian bondage, the blood of an innocent lamb without blemish was used to make peace with God and to cleanse the children of Israel from the filth of their past.
By blood, He made atonement for the sins of His people so that the devil - who is also known as the adversary of every saved believer will not have occasion to accuse, afflict or hold anyone henceforth in bondage.
Instead of making another one of those new year resolutions which say ‘I will do this or I will do that; may I suggest another approach.
This year invite God to lead in this transition and cross over into 2017.
- Remember that as a child of God, you have the Lord’s favor. Ps 67:1, Ps 89:17 & Isaiah 62:4.
- Remember that our victory does not come by the strength of a horse nor will of men. True and lasting victory comes only from the Lord. Ex 14:14, 2 Chronicles 20:17.
- And finally remember that our own righteousness is but filthy rags and would never ever measure up to the righteousness of God. Accept and embrace God’s gift of grace and you will never again feel unworthy or unloved.
