All of us are facing some new challenges as we enter into 2010. The instability of our economy and the loss of jobs and income for many are causing great concern. It has also opened the door for fear. Without question, there is a spirit of fear hovering over the entire world. As I have prayed and sought God for personal direction, I realized there is a tendency for all of us to look around to see what others are doing and then endeavor to follow suit. The Lord spoke very clearly to me that each of us must seek His face for our own personal future.

He directed me to the story of Isaac in Geneses 26. Isaac was tempted to do what everyone else was doing, but God spoke to him and directed him to “stay put”, to be faithful and sow his seed in the land where there had been nothing but drought and loss. Because he obeyed God, in one year he received 100-fold return. The Spirit spoke to me and said, “Continue what you are doing. I will lead you.” He further said, “Do not pattern yourself after others.” God has a plan for each of our lives. This is no time to take things into our own hands instead of seeking Him for direction. 

I was counseling with a person recently and I told them “We must constantly remind ourselves that God loves us. I tell myself this truth many times within a 24-hour period. God truly loves us and because He loves us, He will keep His promise to be with us, never leaving us nor forsaking us. He is our help, our provision, our strength and our guide. 

So as we face the challenges of 2010, let me urge you to defy the spirit of fear that is endeavoring to conquer everyone of us. This is an hour to be strong and to remember where God has brought us from and how many miraculous things He has done for us. I personally believe that God will manifest Himself in a powerful way during this coming year. Many of our loved ones and friends will witness the blessings and faithfulness of God to those who put Him first in their lives.

The Lord has told us to prove Him. This year will give you opportunity to let those to whom you have witnessed for years, see the hand of God at work in proving His faithfulness. I have believed for years that the time would come that God would show to the world that there is a difference between those who put Him first and those who are non-believers. This happened with the children of Israel under the leadership of Moses as he was leading them out of Egypt. God will show the world that He is God and that there is none like Him and that He does take a personal interest in those who commit their lives to Him. So don’t fear, commit yourself more firmly to Him in 2010 and see what He does in and through your life. I covet your prayers for Virginia and me, our staff and the ministry God has put us in.  

In Him,

Marvin E. Gorman