Year-ender, A Pastoral Note

Happy New Year, everyone!

Some of us can hardly believe the New Year is here, while others may already know what they want to pursue. Right now, I keep thinking of Ellen White’s words: “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us” (Life Sketches, p. 196). This is a comforting reminder, especially for anyone feeling uncertain about 2026—whether it’s because of health, work, relationships, family, or worries about what’s happening around us. Instead of letting outside influences shake our trust in God’s care for the world and our lives, let’s look forward to this year with confidence in His promises.

Let’s begin with Isaiah 43. I encourage you to read it a few times today and throughout the week. You’ll see how strongly God declares His control over everything. Nothing and no one can stop God’s plans. In His wisdom, He chose Israel—and now us—to be His witnesses, and He is making sure His promises will come true.

As we enter the New Year, verses 18-19 stand out to me. Here, God calms our worries and shows us what He can do to fulfill His plan. He says, “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” This is a powerful promise we can trust.

As we look at the opportunities ahead for ourselves, our families, and our church, let’s remember to focus on what matters most: “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all [other] things will be [given] to us,” (Matthew 6:33). Even though C.S. Lewis didn’t say the next quote exactly, its message still rings true and matches a biblical principle: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” Let’s follow God’s guidance in our lives now and always!

-Pastor Lim