And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt. It is a night to be much observed to the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all thechildren of Israel in their generations. (Ex 12:41-42)
Although the last day of this particular year most likely occurred in April, the children of Israel, none the less, set out without delay. It was some 430 years after God's promise to Abraham. "God's promises are not performed quickly, they will be, in their season. This is that night of the Lord, that remarkable night, to be celebrated in all generations. The great things God does for his people, are to be not only a few days' wonder, but to be remembered throughout all ages; especially the work of our redemption by Christ (Matthew Henry)".
God's promises to us are often long in coming...but they do come! One of the most wonderful things about our heavenly father is that each day is a new opportunity to walk with him! The frustration we feel at times, the overwhelming anxiety that comes to us through the world, can all be laid aside in an instant. Our failures can be turned into successes if we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us. Each day can be the beginning of a new year without the disappointment that comes from not keeping our resolution. God is more than willing to wipe the slate clean and allow us to start again. We just need to have a sincere desire to walk with him and allow him to work on us.
Whatever the new year holds for you is not going to be lessened or multiplied by the resolutions you make tonight and break tomorrow. God has your year mapped out for you already. He knows what will cross your path, he's looked at it and deemed it to be in your best interest. Whether it's a new job, a new home, the birth of a child, the death of a loved one - it's all good. Rejoice in whatever it is that comes your way! Continue to praise him for everything - even the things that you don't feel are blessings! Make that prayer list and pray every day. Pick up your Bible and read it every day. And if you have a day that is filled with distraction and you forget or can't seem to find the time to meet him in prayer - thank him right then and there - don't give up! If you feel compelled to make that "New Year's Resolution" - make it one that is worth keeping - make it one that you can keep! Put "become closer to God" on the top of that list and you will have a year filled with blessings! Remember, God does great things for his people ~ do great things for God!
