As the year-end approaches, I tend to reflect on the past 12 months and I stand humbled as I consider how good God has been. He kept every promise and He helped me achieve the impossible – notwithstanding my countless fears on how “I” was going to “do it.”

We built 7 new classrooms in the second phase of our high school and received the occupation certificate 2 days ago. Was it easy? No. But it was very exciting as we waited for the approval of the ground consolidation, the approval of the building plans, and struggled to get the construction completed. We eventually saw the completed product, and we were amazed.

All my concerns and fears were unfounded. Early in December two neighbors agreed to sell their properties to us so that we could construct, God willing, the rest of the high school (8 classes) next year and thereby complete this phase of the Eduplex. Was it where I expected to build the high school originally? No, but it was only about 100 meters north. God had another idea – His idea was far better and far bigger than mine. I wanted to play it safe operating within my comfort zone but God wanted me to trust Him.

And then as I reflect, I also think about the future and worry and fear starts to sets in. How? What? Where? Will God (again) provide the millions that we need? Then I am reminded of 2 Chronicles 20:17 “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you….Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.” All I need to do is be available, and walk without fear with my eyes on Jesus.

Spurgeon says in his Cheque Book of the Bank of Faith (20 Dec) that we should go calmly on in the path of duty, fearing the Lord, and fearing nobody else. God Calling (20 Dec) says, “Fight fear as you would fight a plague…Depression is a state of fear. Fight that too. Fight, Fight. Depression is the impression left by fear.”

I realised that I need to guard my (negative) thoughts … and build on a solid foundation in the year ahead, “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11).

I need to seek the Lord more than ever before in my quiet time and in my daily walk with Him. I need to realize that faith will not lead me to intimate worship but that intimate worship will lead me to faith. The solution is clear: if I need more faith, I need to spend more time with the Lord. May that be so not only for the author but also for every reader of this blog in the year ahead. If there is one New Year’s resolution we should take, and adhere to, it is spending more time with the Lord … and we will be amazed in how our faith will grow. May God bless you richly in the year ahead as you, and I, seek Him daily.