So ... just what will the New Year bring? Que sera, sera!

This is probably more familiar to us old fogies than you youngins, but I remember from my days as a little girl the Doris Day chorus that included “Que sera, sera, whatever will be, will be.”             

There was a time when that was probably the way I approached life, including the New Year. I had no purpose and no real driving intent until I became a Christian at the ripe age of 30.

Is that how you view the New Year? Whatever will be, will be?

As a believer today, I have come to realize that this life I am living is not about me but about being available to the King of Kings! Psalm 39:4 gives us some insight into purposeful living: “O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!”

If my life is all about serving Him all the days of my life, then what needs to be adjusted in me to become more effective in the ministry to which He has called me? We should all be asking ourselves that question.

The profession I am in allows me to serve as an on-air radio host, giving me two hours of radio time on a program where I invite the listeners to “Draw near to the Father’s heart” through word and song. 

On most days I share the Gospel during that time because I have become aware of how every moment counts for eternity! So the Gospel goes forth via the airwaves or via our streaming link online.

I have the privilege of speaking, whether by radio or at a church or another event, because that is the ministry God has called me to for this season in my life. By using my gift of exhortation, I challenge my audiences to look up and walk in the fullness that God has given to each of His children. I also share my story of redemption so that others can know that Jesus can save anyone. There is no one too far gone who God cannot heal and restore when we reach out to Him.

The New Year always brings with it time to reflect and assess our successes and failures of the past year and to seek God’s will for our lives. A young pastor I know recently said, “If you are in God’s will, then you are exactly where you are supposed to be!” That’s pretty simple, yet true, and it only stands to reason that we should look back to move forward.

Are you listening to God? Are you willing to do what He has called you to do? Are you able to lay down your fears of what the New Year may bring? Are you ready to receive His blessings as you walk in faith?

Those questions form a pretty simple plan for you and me as we start off the New Year. Begin by taking time to listen to God. My prayer for 2011 is that the steps I take will be used to increase the worship of my Father, which will increase my effectiveness for serving the body of Christ and bringing the Gospel to those who do not know Him.

In His presence we find peace. With His peace we move in His power. 

And in His power we have found our purpose. May this be a year filled with peace in spite of circumstance. If you haven’t met the Prince of Peace, please ask someone who can introduce you to Him, and do not put it off. Your life depends upon it! Have a blessed and prosperous New Year!