Written by: Lady Zellene Smith, Central Georgia District

The beginning of a new year can be exciting, or it can be depressing. It’s our decisions; the choices we make that determine the outcome. I’m sure all of us have had difficult times to come up in our lives that overwhelm us. It is at these times we need to hold on because “The Lord is not slack concerning his promises as some men.” (2Peter3:9a).

Scripture tells us in Ephesians 3:20, “We know that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us.” However:

• What if he chooses not to? God is the only one who could have prevented this, but he didn’t.
• What do you do when the Lord chooses not to act when you’ve begged Him?
• What enters your mind when negative issues surface?

Here are some suggestions to help as you travel on this Christian journey:

• You should praise the Lord and thank him for the work he is doing in your life as you graciously accept what he withholds. 
• You should do your best every day.  
• You should believe that these defining moments are leading to a divine destiny.
• You should do whatever it takes to abide in the shadow of the almighty.
• You should take refuge and take courage and be convinced and determined.

I’m reminded of the Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who had great faith and determination to stand on the Word of God. They answered Nebuchadnezzar with confidence saying, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O King. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” (Daniel 3: 16b-18).

Oh, how amazing was their boldness, unbelievable faith, and determination in the Word of God. We are called to be likewise, and in doing so, we will be able to confuse the enemy with our powerful prayers. Then, we can walk in the freedom the Lord has given us and no longer allow our overwhelming issues to hold us in bondage.