What kind of Year was 2017? While I’m sure it was wonderful for some, I know that for others it was tough. Maybe you lost someone you love. Perhaps you faced some awful disappointments. It could be that you prayed, fasted and believed but did not see your breakthrough.
Proverbs 23:18 says that the expectation of the righteous shall not be cut off. That means that we get what we expect. If we anticipate blessings, we align ourselves for God’s goodness. However, if we are pessimistic, it will place limits on our lives.
If you are weighed down with disappointments from this year, it will be difficult to expect the best for 2018. I know God wants to do great things in your life in the year ahead. He is more committed to your breakthrough than you. So how can we get our hearts ready for the crossover?
Paul the Apostle made a powerful statement in Philippians 3:13, “One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” The first step is to forget. That does not mean to deny difficulties or ignore disappointments.
The Greek word for forget is epilanthanomai. It means two things: to no longer care for and to give over. Let’s look at these two meanings.
1. Not a care
How can we reach the place where we are no longer concerned about the things that once hurt us? In order to forget something, we face it first.
I want to encourage you to take time this weekend to jot down the 3 or 4 burdens from 2017 that you are still carrying. Then pour out the pain before God in prayer. Tell Him how you feel and ask Him to heal.
2. Give over
Once you have faced it, you will be ready to give it over to God. Hand him every hurt and give Him every disappointment. Offload your burdens in His presence. Faith is of the heart. Once your heart is free and healed, you will be able to believe God for the year ahead.
Remember, the Bible says that we will get what we expect. Let us lift up our eyes to the Lord and believe His wonderful promises. God has great things in store for you in 2018. Forget those things that are behind you and reach forward too those things that are ahead!
Why not start the year with a life changing encounter in God’s presence? Our next Healed for Life in the UK is 18-19 January. Our next US Refresher is 3 February and US Healed for Life is 16-17 March. Have an awesome start to 2018!
