“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” (Jeremiah 29:11 nlt)
We don’t know what the new year will bring. We don’t know what problems we will encounter or what changes will come our way. We don’t even know what blessings the Lord has in store for us. God knows, of course. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope’” (Jeremiah 29:11 nlt).
Wherever His plans take us, one thing is guaranteed. We have no reason to be afraid. No matter what the new year brings our way, Jesus Christ will be with us and for us.
Corrie ten Boom, a wonderful woman of God, said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” She was speaking from experience. As a Holocaust survivor, she faced uncertainties about her future that few of us will ever experience. Yet she refused to give in to fear or despair because she knew God. She had read about how He provided for His people in Scripture. She was aware of His potential to work miracles. She had experienced His love and protection in some of the most horrific conditions imaginable.
The psalmist wrote, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him” (Psalm 24:1 nlt). Nothing is beyond the Creator’s power.
Proverbs 19:21 says, “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail” (nlt).
The apostle Paul wrote, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28 nlt).
And in Isaiah 41:10, God Himself says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” (nlt).
There’s a sense of relief in acknowledging that God is in control of our future. We don’t have to take on the burden of control ourselves. Instead, we can focus on following His direction, obeying His instructions, and prioritizing His will.
God stands ready to bless us in this coming year. But we must be ready to walk with Him, worship Him, and obey Him. We can’t expect the Lord to bless someone who is in opposition to His law and His love.
As we wrap up the year, it’s only natural that we do a little reflection. As you look back on 2025, was it a year in which you progressed spiritually? Was it a year in which you found yourself becoming more like Jesus Christ? Or was there some kind of spiritual breakdown? If so, now is a good time to make a change. Now is the time to resolve to grow closer to Jesus Christ.
Reflection question: What would trusting God with your future look like in 2026?
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Greg Laurie is the pastor and founder of the Harvest churches in California and Hawaii and of Harvest Crusades. He is an evangelist, best-selling author, and movie producer. His latest film ‘Jesus Revolution,’ from Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company, is now available on-demand worldwide.
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
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