Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: RAISING YOUR HOPES IN HIM
THEME SCRIPTURE: “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” — Isaiah 43:19
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- Why should we raise our hopes in God at such a time as this?
A new year does not magically erase the weight of the past, but it does confront us with a gospel truth: God is not finished. Christian hope is not optimism about circumstances; it is confidence in God’s redemptive action within time. The turning of the year reminds us that history itself is the arena of God’s renewal.
Augustine understood this well when he wrote, “God is always trying to give good things to us, but our hands are too full to receive them.”
Hope begins when we loosen our grip on what has defined us— failures, losses, even past successes —and allow God to redefine the story. We will experience a turnaround if our eyes are lifted towards God. For a turnaround is the transformation of what was through grace.
It is by grace that we have crossed into another year. And a new year calls us not merely to better habits but to deeper life —life shaped by repentance, obedience, and trust.
This is how spiritual turnaround occurs: not by force of will, but by alignment with God’s purposes.
Athanasius, reflecting on the incarnation, wrote, “He became what we are, that He might make us what He is.” Because Christ entered our broken time realm, no season is beyond redemption. The resurrection stands as God’s definitive declaration that endings are never final in Him.
Beloved, while God is sovereign, we are responsible to respond. This year invites intentional turning— of mind, heart, and direction —toward Christ.
God supplies the grace; we supply the surrender.
Precious One, do not measure this year by ease, but by faithfulness. God’s work is often quiet before it is visible. The seed breaks before it bears fruit. Let your eyes be set on God, and your expectations shall not be cut off.
Remain blessed.
FURTHER READING – Isaiah 43
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- What burdens or assumptions from last year must you release to receive God’s work anew?
- In what area is God calling you to repentance rather than mere improvement?
- How does the resurrection shape your expectations for this year?
PRAYER
Lord of time and redemption, You stand at the beginning and the end. As this year has opened, turn my heart fully toward You. Strip away false hopes and deepen true faith. Where there has been loss, I receive restoration; where there has been stagnation, I receive life. Teach me to walk faithfully, trusting that You are at work even when I cannot see it. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
One-Year Bible Reading Plan
Genesis 31-32; Psalm 20
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