Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2

For Encouragement

How important is a mentor in your life—somebody to look to and guide you through 2021? You have escaped the problems and snares of the previous year by the grace of God. You yearned for a better year—relief from a terrible dream. Well, you have it. God has held your hand and taken you across the threshold of a brand-new year, filled with prospects and possibilities, blessings, and grace to harvest them. What you do with them will determine the outcome by the end of the year. So, how do you navigate the waters of 2021 for a good harvest?

First, you must thank the Lord for the opportunity. You would not be here without Him. It is all grace, my friend. So, take a moment and thank Him as Noah did (Gen. 8:20).

Second, you need a clear vision and overview of the year and its landscape. You are in a new place you have never seen nor known before today. Therefore, just as a tourist needs a guide to help them enjoy their visit, so you need one now to avoid wandering through this year. And who can be a better guide than the one who brought you here—One who owns this place and controls it? (Psa. 24:1-2).

He did not just create 2021. He has lived through it and has overcome everything that might make it a miserable run for you. Your cry in trying times will, therefore, find an empathetic ear (Heb. 4:15). He also knows your condition and peculiarities to instruct the course and pace He sets for you (Psa. 139:1, 13-14). His able hand can carry you through every storm, and like an excellent guide, He brings along His healing balm to soothe your pain (Jer. 8:22).

I suggest Christ Jesus to you for this role. There are so many reasons to give you for choosing Him as your guide and mentor, but I will end with this. He has run this race before, and He knows the course. He also finished it and finished it well (Heb. 2:2). He can take you across the finish line to win the prize the world has never known and cannot imagine (2 Tim. 4:7-8). So, can you trust Him as your Mentor and Protector?

Maybe you are like the invalid at the Pool of Bethesda (Jn. 5:5). You know that somebody did you a favor and brought you here, but you don’t know Him or His name (13). Please, take the time to know Him, and when you find Him, turn your life over to Him as your Lord and Savior. He is everything you need for an excellent run through this 2021 marathon that has just begun. Without Him, your life will be worse than before (14).

So, welcome to the year 2021, my friend! May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you through it. AMEN!

Happy New Year!