What a year 2020 had been! Who could ever have predicted it? You would not be going too far to
describe it as unique in world history. What will 2021 look like? That as they say is the proverbial million-dollar question.
You have in the book of 1 Samuel the story of the young man Samuel. He was not raised in a great year. We are told in Chapter 3: 1-3:
And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;
And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep
No open vision, darkness and blindness and God’s light looked to be extinguished.
Depressing days indeed. The old priest Eli was a nice guy but a hopeless minister who knew what was right but seemed unable to implement it.
His sons were much worse, greedy, immoral and ruthless. The people had no confidence in them at all.
The young Samuel though had a heart to follow after that which was right. God bypassed them all to speak to that faithful young lad.
It was the beginning of a new era in Israel - who ever would have thought it!
But what of you my friend as we enter into 2021? It’s easy enough see the obstacles and difficulties.
Some questions: Are you in a place to be used?
Are you in a place to hear?
Are you ready to enter into and be involved in a new season for God?
Like his mother Hannah before who was faithful in the difficult years of barrenness and persecution. She prayed and God moved.
1 Samuel 2: 18 and 19:
And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.
And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat.
She was faithful even in what she perceived to be a bad situation. She wanted a son - but she would produce a prophet!
What will 2021 bring you? I really don’t know but I do know that if you cry out to Him and walk in a way that is pleasing to Him it will inevitably be more than you ever could have imagined.
We warmly welcome you to join with us here at GCF as we look to break ground for God. Yes, it seems like a dark time here in our nation and yet it is in the darkest night that the light can most clearly be seen.
Wishing each and every one of you a very happy and prosperous New Year.
Love and blessings from Pastor John , Danielle and all @ GCF