Hebrews 11:1 says “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen.”

This time of the year brings feelings from all ranges of the emotional spectrum. We spend time thinking about the year that is passing (either with regret or fulfillment) and we look to the year that is to come (either with excitement or dread).

Which will you be this year? If you know Jesus, you have a choice.

You can look at the year that is passing with the assurance that whatever mistakes you’ve made are covered by the blood of Jesus and the grace of our Father.You can also know that those mistakes and failures will ultimately be woven into the fabric of the destiny and purpose that God has designed for you. Romans 8:28 tells us that “All things” good and bad, work together for a good outcome for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Then you can look at the coming year with the knowledge that God has a plan for your life and whatever current circumstance you find yourself in is only temporary. You can know that, since you are a citizen of the Kingdom of God, you have hope that there is a future for you. In Jeremiah 29:11 God says to His children, “for I know the plans I have for you; plans for good and not evil; to give you a future and a hope.”

As you come to this time of seeing the old year leave and the new year come, remember this; there can be no faith without hope. Faith can only be “the substance” of the things you have hope for.

What are you hoping for in the coming months?

I encourage you to allow the hope of God to rise up within you for the things He has designed for you and then exercise the faith He has given you to see those things come to pass in the coming year.

Your thoughts?