By Gina Caswell Kelly
I just got a new calendar, which you do at the first of the year! As I was looking through all the different features I was thinking about a new year and a fresh start and what all that means. New Years are exciting, I think, as you think about the possibilities and the opportunities that could come your way. I think they are also scary as you think about all the unknowns out there and what might be headed your way. We never know when we start a new year, what might be waiting in that next 365 days.
It is true. Our next year is an unknown. Completely. Sure, we have plans and have dates marked and appointments set. But the truth is, each day brings its own unknowns to the table. In Proverbs 19:21, it states, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” We do make plans and we do have dreams, but God created us with a purpose and a plan, and an expiration date. We do not know when our last day will come. We must be ready.
When Mike Kelly died all those years ago, we were busy that morning gathering stones for a project he was working on in the backyard. He never got there. We had plans, but God’s purpose prevailed. Surely, I hated like everything to lose Mike. I so wish I could have him back, even still. But, more than that, I want God’s will to be done in all our lives. I want God’s purpose to prevail. I have had so many opportunities to use what God allowed our family to go through to help and serve others. God’s purpose. Never lose sight of how God can use what seems to be absolute tragedy in your life to help others going through the same thing.
But we had plans. You never know what day will be your last. Or the last for your friends and family. I am going to ask you one question. Have those in your circle invited Jesus to live in their hearts and be the Lord of their lives? If the answer is no, then what are you waiting for! We have got to have a sense of urgency as Christians to be sure that no one in our circle of influence dies without knowing Him. But even more than that, I don’t want anyone in my circle to live another minute without knowing the Savior and the joy the gift of the Holy Spirit brings to you daily! Why would you want anyone to live another minute without the precious gift of the knowing the One who loves you and sent His Son to live and die for you?
Oh my goodness! My friends, we have know way of knowing who all will still be with us at the start of the next year. Be urgent about sharing the good news of the Savior! Be very urgent. The Savior is waiting. He wants to make a difference in your life. Today and for all eternity.
