It’s a new year, hurray!

Another time for the ‘new year, new me’ shenanigan and before you know it the new year is old and almost gone and yet it’s the same old you. Just a change in calendar, not in character or dreams. Whatever or wherever the Spirit of the Lord is calling you into in this year calls for effort, extra effort and continuous effort. There is a role to play.

Let’s consider something from Isaiah 40:3-5 (TLB)

Listen! I hear the voice of someone shouting, “Make a road for the Lord through the wilderness; make him a straight, smooth road through the desert. Fill the valleys; level the hills; straighten out the crooked paths, and smooth off the rough spots in the road. The glory of the Lord will be seen by all mankind together.” The Lord has spoken—it shall be.

I find this scripture very interesting and imaginative. Now, first of all, picture a wilderness with all its weeds, bushes, valleys, heap of sand, some streams, rocky and unleveled path then in the picture of your mind look at how easy it will be to make a road there(lol). And you know, we are not just constructing any road, it’s got to be straight and smooth! No excuses.

To prepare means to make ready (that’s a call for action) and making straight in the desert a highway is no joke! Then there is the continuous effort to “fill in the valleys, level off the hills, clear out the rocks (whew!). Did you know valleys usually have river flowing through it? -so imagine filling a valley to make an unbending path.

Where is the Lord leading you to this year and for the course of your life? Don’t go to sleep or put your mind to rest after inquiring of the Lord, there is a call for effort, extra effort and continuous effort. Yes, the Lord has spoken but are you making Him a straight and smooth road through the desert? You see how you complain and grumble when driving on a dusty road with pot holes, by your actions and efforts you are carving out the road path for the most high’s course. Make it worthy!

Put in that effort in prayer, in studying, in researching, in being involved in that activity. Yes, take that step and be consistent at it. It is okay to fall down, but you must get up, dust yourself and keep reminding yourself that it’s not over till you are done. Put in that effort in your health – do that exercise, eat well, rest enough etc; Put in that effort in your academics – be diligent in pursuing knowledge and skills; in your career put in the effort to be industrious, Concerning your spiritual life, be intentional in keeping an atmosphere of the Spirit. Do this in all key areas of your life and keep going one step at a time.

When you get tired, rest but don’t quit and the Glory of the Lord will be seen in you by all. As you get ready to prepare the way of the Lord, don’t forget it’s His way so cooperate with Him for His Glory to be seen.

Always remember that a vision speaks at the end.