Happy "Knew" Year!

[by Pastor Bob Coy at Calvary Chapel, Ft. Lauderdale, FL]

But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. --Job 23:10 (NKJV)

"Happy New Year!" Really? How can you be so sure that this upcoming year will be a happy one? Take a moment to look back at last year. Were there any trials? Of course there were, and you can be equally certain that there will be trials in this upcoming year as well.

It's interesting that in describing the storms of life, Jesus always assumed that they would have a place of prominence in our lives. He said "when the storms came" not "if the storms come" (Matthew 7:24). You can mark it down in that brand new calendar that you just got: 2008 will be a year of trials.

Regardless of this fact, we can still have a happy New Year when we recognize that our God is all-knowing. There isn't a single bump in the road that will take Him by surprise this year. Before time even began, He knew all that this year would hold for each of us, making it a "Knew Year."

This truth is a harbor of security in a sea of uncertainty because as we understand that God foresaw everything, we also understand that He allowed it to happen. The Bible further assures us that nothing happens to us unless it is for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28). So no matter what trials you go through this upcoming year, you can be certain that they will actually complete your character in Christ.

This is the truth that sustained Job as he went through unparalleled trials in his own life. When things seemed like they couldn't get any worse, Job took comfort in the knowledge that God knew the course of his future and that His ultimate purpose in allowing these things was for him to "come forth as gold." The place of trial became the place of blessing as Job's trials perfected his patience and faith.

Regardless of what this New Year brings, we can rest assured that He knows what we will be dealing with and that He is going to use it for our greater good. Keeping this in mind will make for a very happy Knew Year, indeed!"