2024 "What can we expect"?

Ps. John Engel - January 7th. 2024

Every year we look forward to what God will do in our lives. We are curious about his plan and what it will mean for us as individuals but also as a church.

Of course we all have plans for the year, but as Proverbs 16:9 says: “A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.”

The challenge is to let go of your own plans and trust Him for His.

As I was meditating on this, the Holy Spirit pointed me to Isaiah 54:2-3 where Isaiah addresses God's people and says: “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left..."

While I was reading this, the Holy Spirit began to reveal some things to me that will play an important role this year.

For example, stretching the tent curtains wider, lengthening the cords, strengthening the tent pegs, and all without holding back.

In general, it's about making room for what God will add, not only in the church, but in your own life as well!

To make this possible, we have to plan differently. It's all about the way we've looked at our possibilities up till now.

​2024 will be a year of stretching. We are the tent canvas that will be stretched. The ropes are our faith in God, which is going to grow to reach further than it has up till now. The tent pegs are our trust in God, which will be more firmly established in His word.

I had the impression that we were doing more with what we had. It won't be: “Lord, give me a bigger tent so I can do more for You,” but rather: “Lord, show me how I can use what I already have to have a greater impact for Your kingdom.” .”

Here my thoughts turned to the widow with her jar of oil, and to Moses, who had only a staff in his hand, and also to Peter, who gave what he had to the paralyzed man instead of the silver and gold that he did not have. “What I have I give you,” he said.

God will provide ways to implement new ideas and cause us to achieve more with what we have.

The doors He opens this year will make you think differently and give you access to places you have never been before.

An open door means renewal, and with God renewal is always positive and intended to take you out of your accustomed environment and give you new perspectives.

They offer you the opportunity to step into God's plan for this time in your life.

Too often we play it safe and live on without exploring new possibilities. Even when we are not satisfied, we continue on the same path because we fear the unknown.

But to God al things are known, and it is our trust in Him that gives us the opportunity to step out in faith and walk the path He made known to us.

So, dare to believe God and enlarge the place for your tent…. Make room for what He wants to add!

Another impression the Lord gave me has to do with certain situations at a National and European level that we will all have to deal with.

The farmer uprising in the Netherlands a few years ago will seem small compared to what awaits us.

These things and the wars around us will cause instability, but rest assured, God has a plan.

Jesus told his disciples in Luke 21:9 "When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

What we see today is not necessarily the end. Many more things will happen before Jesus returns, as we read in Luke 21.

But we would do well not to be frightened, as Jesus said. I understand this is easier said than done, but if we don't trust God, what is left then?

It's important that we continue to serve Him faithfully. That we do not deviate from the course, but continue to follow the direction he has given us.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

I am convinced that the path God will make for us will lead right through difficult times!

Here the Holy Spirit directed me to Psalm 23:5 where it says that God invites us to sit at the table he prepared for us in the presence of our enemies…”

We will see that when things start to rage around us, we will have the favor of God to arrive at the right place.

I had the impression that some Christians were going straight to the goal and no longer tolerating detours. Promotion is now! Prosperity is now! Salvation is now! Healing is now! A bigger tent is now! 2024 will be a year of fulfillment!

In Psalm 20:6-8 we read: "Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand.”

This speaks of Jesus, our Victor!

We read further: "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright."

Standing upright or standing firm has to do with the tent pegs that symbolize your trust in God and His word.

When your trust in Him is deeply rooted in His Word and His promises, then the anchorage of your tent is secure.

The storms may come but you remain standing.

Here too I got the impression that we will hear reports this year that will cause great unrest in the Nation of Holland.

Politics will bring interesting times with Geert Wilders. Although many are already concerned, I had the impression that we will be pleasantly surprised.

Many have prayed that the right people would be chosen as our leaders, and we know that God listens when we pray. Geert Wilders may not have been our choice, but maybe God thought differently?

I also had the feeling that the Netherlands will play an important role in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

We do well to heed the words of the Apostle Paul in 1Corinthians 15:58 "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

What else can we expect this year?

Favor! We will realize that the doors that open to us are in connection with the favor of God.

In Luke 2:52 it says: "“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

Favor will be evident in what we do for the Lord. Even where we least expect it, we will experience favor.

​As a church, we are called upon to influence society. For example in the field of media, arts & entertainment, business, but certainly also government.

Our influence in arts and entertainment is growing, but I wonder how many Christians feel called to politics?

I believe God is going to stretch us to reach places where our influence will count.

We are not here to conquer the world, but to influence society in a godly way.

The devil has been at work long enough, it's time we take our place in society.

God's favor will lead us to places where we can exercise divine influence to bring people to faith in Him.

Don't think that you have no influence, but realize that you do because of who you are in Christ.

Finally, I want to encourage you with Romans 8:28 which says: ""And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

 

 

 

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