Our church has been greatly affected. At the height of the viral infection in mid-2020, we had to move church worship services, Sunday Schools and fellowships online. Despite the calamity, God has kept the church intact. In fact, our members have weathered this storm well. Our attendance in prayer meetings has increased two-fold at least, and we continue to be able to come together to worship. At the same time, we were able to abide by the safe-distancing regulatory measures.
By God seeing us through this tough year, it is a testimony of God’s power and His love and care for His church. We thank God for a true and living God, even in the 21st century. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is still with us to see us through the year 2021. While we continue to face the economic downturn, it is the same God who will take us through the great trials to come.
For those who experienced success in 2020, let us not forget to give thanks to God for prospering us. For those who continue to maintain our jobs, let us also give thanks. For those who face certain loss of jobs, let us also continue to give thanks too, to have faith in God, and to trust that He will provide us with the best. God may be silent, but it does not mean that He does not care or love. He loved Lazarus but intentionally delayed going to Lazarus to the point that Lazarus died (John 11:1–5). It was only then that Jesus went to him, to raise him from the dead. This happened so that all the people around could see the mighty power of God. In the same way, take heart that God would see you through. Let us not waiver or falter in our faith.
As we begin a new year, let us continue in our steadfast faith, trusting that God will see us through year 2021. There is much for us to aspire to accomplish in 2021. Paul says in Phil 2:12-13, “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose.”
As we enter this lunar new year, let us work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Let us be steadfast in our faith. Work hard to be spiritually vibrant and walk in the ways of the Lord always. Shun all forms of evil. Fight a good fight of faith. Deny yourself and take up your cross daily. Seek to do good and love righteousness. Aspire to gain wisdom, as with King Solomon, to differentiate between right and wrong. Aspire to do justice, exercise fairness, and to do what is right. A good way to gain wisdom is to read the book of Proverbs. God promises that in seeking wisdom, God will grant you that wisdom. God promises us in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Let us work hard for the gospel. Let us continue to be the light of the world and salt of the earth. Let us continue to be a good testimony for God. Through our testimony, may we continue to win souls for the Lord in 2021. May God prosper your life and grant you success as you seek to build your faith, to do what is right, just, fair and for the gospel work.
Blessed Lunar New Year to you!