Dear Friend,
First of all, I want to thank you for the kind comments and responses to my letters — and requests for prayer — that I have received from so many. It is such an honor to hear from you and to pray for you.
The new year is upon us, and I can’t help but think about how important our decisions are right now and what kind of mindset we need to have for 2022. I am asking myself this question, and now I am asking you: What banner can I hold over my life in this new year? My first thoughts went to what I am confident in — what is going to hold me steady in place today and tomorrow. I want to share with you this promise from Philippians 1:6, which says, “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
When things seem so shaky around us — maybe a difficult family situation, a health concern, or things going on in the world — and it seems like we can’t do anything about it, our mind and emotions can be thrown into such an upheaval, as if we were in a storm and tossed by every wave.
But what can keep you steady and your mind at peace in the midst of the storm?
Is it your own abilities, gifts, and talents? No. Is it a supportive family or a healthy bank account? No.
It is the fact that what God started in you, HE WILL FINISH! There is power in the Holy Spirit inside you to help you remain confident and to hold you steady.
It wasn’t even you who started this journey of eternal salvation with Jesus — He started it. And you are not the one who is going to finish — He will bring you to the finish. Isn’t that just completely amazing and peace-giving!
Am I saying that you can just sit down and do nothing in your Christian life or sin all you want to? No. Can you just remain a gossip or one who is bitter and hateful all of your days and then expect to live in victory and peace and love in this life? No, I’m not saying that at all.
The Bible has much to say about instructing us on our daily living and choosing whom we will serve every day of our life. We can’t just live in bitterness, unforgiveness, hate, doubt, fear, and unbelief and expect to experience all the same blessings and benefits as those who are choosing to walk in obedience to God’s Word.
The truth from Philippians 1:6 is this:
- There is a place of confidence we can walk and live in.
- You did not start your walk with Jesus. You did not choose Him — He chose you.
John 15:16 clearly says, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you….”
- There is a “finishing” power in you — in your born-again spirit — that can bring you all the way to the finish line victoriously.
- The Greater One (1 John 4:4) who lives inside you can not only bring you to your finish line, but He is also the invisible presence within us who is the “Completer.” You can’t finish your race by yourself — but the truth is, you are not by yourself! The Holy Spirit is with you and in you to complete the good work He began in you when you were born again. So I encourage you to get your eyes off your good works and how well you think you’re performing in life and look to Him.
Can you see why I began this letter about embracing new confidence for the new year? You see, it’s not only about what you have done, but what He has done in you. The Psalmist David summed it up in Psalm 18:1,2:
I will love You, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Oh, friend, put your hope and your confidence in Him, and trust His commitment to you and His covenant with you. His promise is to bring you to the finish line if you will walk with Him. And He always keeps His promises. He will never move or change. We can look to Him, and He will hold us steady, secure, and confident in this new year.
I believe it’s more important than ever that we reach out to one another and ask for prayer. If you need prayer, please call us or write to us. Our phone number is 1-800-742-5593 and we can be reached Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT, or you may send us your prayer request at prayer@renner.org. A faith-filled prayer warrior will be waiting on the other end of the line to join their faith with yours for victory in your situation.
Thank you for spending this time with me. And starting Monday, January 3, you can view my brand-new weekly TV program, Time With Denise Renner, that will air on YouTube, Facebook, and Renner.org! I’m looking forward to this beautiful time in the Word with you!
You can be confident in Him,
Denise Renner