Sabrina emanates confidence about facing unknown challenges life may bring her way in the new year. Her resilience rests on her trust in the promises of God, which she has made her own. Experience has taught her that she must constantly draw upon the source of God’s strength which never runs dry. Intimacy with Jesus Christ guides her to keep first things first. The favourite verse she quotes is, “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isa. 40:30-31).
If we are worn out and weary, hardly daring to believe there is any future for us, the God of all strength can give us exactly what we need –to ‘soar,’ ‘run,’ or ‘walk.’ There is nothing beyond God’s compassion or power. There is nothing our caring Creator can’t change. We can’t dictate the terms or means of those changes but we can hold onto Him with confident hope.
Sabrina’s life of faith is shaped by God’s Word, its view of reality, and principles. Sabrina has actively believed in God’s word and knows there is no limit to what God can do in her life, family or society.
But what about the pain and concerns that tend to cloud our vision? Pain and suffering can strengthen our character and righteous living. For God has promised, “ I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,”( Jer. 29:11). Such blessings come especially in a right relationship with God.
This assurance gives Sabrina the courage and strength she needs to face each day as a victor! She knows that all her battles have already been won by the Lord Jesus. With confidence, she awaits the dawn of the New Year.