God is Alive
By Art Dmytriyev
Yancey County
As we bid farewell to the old year and step into the new one, many people reflect on their lives, goals, and aspirations. New Year’s resolutions are a time-honored tradition—an opportunity to set personal goals, make positive changes, and chart a course for growth in the year ahead. Whether it’s improving health, nurturing relationships, or pursuing career goals, New Year’s resolutions offer a chance to start fresh. However, for those of faith, the New Year can also be a time to renew one’s commitment to God, remembering that God is alive and that His presence is a source of strength, guidance, and hope for the year ahead.
The Power of Knowing God is Alive
One of the most transformative aspects of the Christian faith is the truth that God is alive. He is not a distant, abstract deity or a figure confined to ancient scriptures. God is present, active, and continually working in the world and the lives of His people. This belief is central to the Christian message: that through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God has triumphed over sin and death, offering eternal life and a personal relationship with His followers.
In Romans 6:9, the apostle Paul writes, “For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him.” This profound truth affirms that Jesus is not only alive, but He is also eternally victorious over the forces that seek to steal, kill, and destroy. As Christians, knowing that God is alive means that we are never alone in our journey. God is with us, guiding us through challenges, empowering us to overcome obstacles, and providing the strength to become the people He created us to be.
New Year Resolutions: A Spiritual Perspective
The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions is often rooted in a desire for self-improvement. People resolve to be healthier, kinder, more organized, or more successful. While these goals are valid, for believers, New Year’s resolutions can take on a deeper, spiritual significance when grounded in the knowledge that God is alive and actively involved in our lives.
Instead of simply focusing on self-improvement, New Year’s resolutions can be a way to invite God into every area of our lives. By recognizing that God is alive and present, we can seek His guidance in making resolutions that align with His will and purpose for us. This might mean setting goals that foster spiritual growth, deepen our relationship with God, and serve others in love.
Resolutions with Purpose: Aligning Goals with God’s Will
As we consider the resolutions we want to make, it’s helpful to ask ourselves how these goals can honor God and reflect His character. Here are a few spiritual resolutions that can guide us in the New Year:
- Strengthen Your Relationship with God: A primary resolution for any Christian should be to draw closer to God. This could involve setting aside time each day for prayer, Bible reading, and meditation. Regular communion with God helps us to stay grounded in His presence and to be reminded that He is alive, active, and interested in every detail of our lives.
- Live with Purpose: The Bible encourages us to live with intention, not as passive observers but as active participants in God’s plan for the world. Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Your New Year’s resolutions can include seeking out ways to serve others, whether in your community, church, or workplace. When we live with purpose, we reflect the living God’s character in the world.
- Cultivate Gratitude and Faith: Often, resolutions focus on what we want to change, but what about recognizing what God has already done in our lives? A resolution to live with gratitude can transform our outlook and deepen our faith. Reflect on the many ways God has been faithful in the past year, and let that inspire trust and thankfulness in the year to come.
- Embrace Personal Growth: While spiritual goals are paramount, personal development is also important. This year, consider setting resolutions that not only improve your health or skills but also cultivate virtues like patience, kindness, and humility. This is where knowing that God is alive comes in—His Holy Spirit empowers us to grow in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
Overcoming Challenges with God’s Strength
It’s important to recognize that resolutions, even spiritual ones, can be difficult to maintain. Life can be unpredictable, and challenges will arise. However, the truth that God is alive is a constant source of encouragement. He is not only present but also provides us with the strength to persevere. Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
This means that we do not face the year ahead relying solely on our own strength or determination. God is alive, and through His Spirit, He empowers us to keep moving forward, even when we encounter setbacks or difficulties. By leaning on His power and grace, we can make the changes we desire while trusting that God’s will is being accomplished in us.
Conclusion
As we enter the New Year, let us do so with the confidence that God is alive, active in our lives, and committed to our growth and well-being. New Year’s resolutions can be a powerful opportunity to align our goals with God’s purposes, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. With God’s presence, guidance, and strength, we can embrace the coming year with hope, faith, and a renewed commitment to becoming the people He has called us to be. Let us resolve to live with purpose, to grow in faith, and to serve others as we experience the power of a God who is truly alive in us.
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Pastor Art Dmytriyev is originally from Siberia. He has traveled the world in Evangelism and pastoral ministry. He serves as a pastor in North Carolina, holds a Master of Divinity degree, and is currently a Doctor of Ministry candidate. More information at: https://burnsvillenc.adventistchurch.org/pastors-blog
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