By Revd. Dr. Idowu Ibitoye
Introduction
“Samuel then took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah, He named it Ebenezer which means the stone of help, for he said up to this point the Lord has helped us” I Sam. 7:12. Philistine had been an age long arch enemy to the Israelites, and whenever Israelites called upon the Lord, God always grant then victory. In response to God’ great deliverance, Israelites set up a large stone as a memorial to God unfailing love. Ebenezer simply means a stone of help. We can also say at this point God has helped us. This last week signify a turning point in the lives of every one of us. It is better to take a review of the year 2020 so that we shall be able to adjust and face year 2021 and record resounding victories in the years to come.
Reviewing the Year 2020
Review simply means a formal assessment of something with the intention of instituting change if necessary. It can also mean a critical appraisal of a book, play or film. As the year 2020 is rolling out we need to take an assessment of every day, month and the entire year.
As for the individual assessment, nobody can do this for anyone. Everyone must take a pause and review his/her activities for this year; such as; daily activities, financial spending, religious activities, career involvement and improvement in one’s relationship with others. Everyone must count his/her blessings and return all glory to God Almighty.
“When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost
Count your many blessings, name them one by one
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done
Count your blessings, name them one by one
Count your blessings, see what God hath done
Count your blessings, name them one by one
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done”
As you review the year 2020, it is not a time to complain about unmet expectations, it is a time to give thanks to God for what He had done for us. Beloved, as you take this review of your life’ involvement in year 2020, it is pertinent to adjust where necessary and face the New Year with refined and re-strategized lifestyle.
Furthermore, the year was marked with many challenges ranging from the outbreak of COVID-19 that claimed many lives around the globe. Churches and many institutions were closed down in other to curtail the spread of the deadly virus. For the first time in our contemporary time, Palm Sunday rally and Esther Sunday celebrations were suspended. In Kwara state Churches were closed up for about 13 Sundays.
Likewise, the nation witnessed ENDSARS protests that resulted in to looting and vandalisation of critical national infrastructures, while many lost their lives in the process of the protest. The University student will not easily forget the year 2020 ASUU strike that has lasted for about 10 months; this has paralyzed academic activities in most Nigerian Universities and causing academic setback for Nigerian students. Year 2020 is full of challenges, however God is on our side and He is granting us safe landing into another glorious year 2021.
Looking Ahead Year 2021
Though we may not know what year 2021 hold, however, we know who holds year 2021, the year is in the hands of the Almighty God and he has a lot of good things for us, as the year unfolds. As you enter the year you must:
1. Have a Clear Vision: Vision is the ability to think about or plan for the future with imagination or wisdom, with the assistance of the Holy Spirit. Everyone must know that a New Year brings new desires, dreams and inspirations; one must create a New Year resolution in the form of a vision that will serve as guiding light as you move on in the New Year. Having a clear vision will serve as a powerful way to visualize all that a person intend doing and this will serve as a daily reminder. This is a great way to ensure being accountable. Moreover, one must never be afraid to create new vision, every day provides the opportunities which encourages to improving one’s life. As you move into the New Year with your vision, take cognize of these parameters:
– You must know clearly what you want for your future.
– Never at any point be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
– No one is an island to him/herself; seek assistance whenever it is necessary.
– Distractors are around, never listen to them.
– Be courageous, just know that life is full of challenges.
– Always listen and heed the voice of the Holy Spirit within you.
– Be a channel of blessing to others, be generous and show compassion to others, through this you will have inner joy within you and become fulfilled.
2. Improve on your Stewardship Activities in Year 2021 – Everyone must try as much as possible to deeply involve himself/herself in church activities, be an instrument in the hands of the Lord. Volunteer yourself to be used for greater exploits in the New Year. Dedicate and use your talents and gifts to glorify God. Be active in church programmes, let people give glory to God for your life as you to move His kingdom forward in the year to come. Ensure that you use your resources to glorify God. Give your tithe and offering cheerfully, knowing that it is an avenue to receive greater blessing from God.
Conclusion
Year 2021 shall be a year of abundant blessings to everyone. You must have a big picture for the year. Try to set a lifetime goal with an idea of what you want to achieve in your future. The new year shall be a year of divine visitation and fruitfulness all round.
