What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year?
For the past year, I have not only grown a year older in age, but my heart has also grown a year wiser, drawing closer into a more intimate relationship with God, who loves me. I have strived to excel further in the areas that are pleasing in the Lord’s sight, while also working to improve upon the shortcomings He has shown me. What the apostle Paul meant by “being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16) is precisely this, I believe.
Living in this historic moment, in these turbulent end times, how should I, as a born-again person, respond? I hold firmly to the Lord’s promise: to walk in Christ’s way, proclaim Christ’s truth, and live Christ’s life. Micah 6:8 guides me—whether in sunshine or rain—to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with my God. Those who walk with God allow others to see Christ in them. Even as the world grows increasingly corrupt, in my heart, I remain focused on seeking God’s glory; for I know that when my heart is set on His glory, I will witness His loving-kindness—the tenderness and compassion He has placed in my life.
A broken world produces more sinners and sufferers. Relying on the strength God gives me, I seek not only to love my own family—both physical and spiritual—but also to love those whom God has placed in my path: the poor, the lost, the confused, and those suffering in pain and illness. I offer them comfort from God and bless them with practical help and prayer. This is what I continued to do over the past year.
What tomorrow holds, I do not know, nor do I worry. But I know that life is but a mist—appearing for a little while and then vanishing. I constantly remind myself: “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:13-15). My prayer for the new year is that in all I do, I may bring glory to God.
en yan hua fang 