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Washington (BWA)--How would you describe the landscape of your mind as another year approaches?
It is so easy for us to overlook the amazing ways in which God is marvelously at work in the world today. Yet, wonderful stories abound of people through whom God is displaying how to be selfless and faithful disciples despite the staggering obstacles they face. These stories provide a rich store of inspiration for anyone who wants to go into the New Year with confidence in the providence of the ever-present God.
Yet, it is entirely possible for us not to be enriched by the available stories of God's grace and power in the lives of people the world over. One possible reason for this is the temptation we face to take credit for the transforming work that is really accomplished by God. We try to connect the positive stories we hear and the initiatives that we and our churches take and so come to regard God's glorious works as the outcome of our faithfulness in mission. If only we could hear the stories of God's great deeds today and be satisfied to attribute them to God, what a salutary effect these stories might have on us!
When we are able to discern God's gracious hand in the lives of people and communities both in our neighborhoods and beyond, something good may happen to us. We can start the New Year with our mental landscape in fine form. It will be fertile with positive and uplifting thoughts, and not littered with the debris of doubt-infusing angst.
As the new year dawns, may we decide to be more attentive to the signs of God's providential care. Then, life's narratives of hope will propel us toward the confident faith in God that can sustain us through all of life's vicissitudes.
For us all, may 2012 be filled with unsurpassed hope in the faithfulness of the unchanging God!
Neville Callam
General Secretary
Baptist World Alliance
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