WISHING FOR THE OLD IN THE FACE OF THE NEW YEAR: A CALL TO PURPOSE

Today, I want to speak to you about the era, I guess, of wishing for the old in the face of the new year. I’ll get around to what that’s all about in just a moment.

Let’s start today in Acts 27:29: “Then, fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors out of the stern and prayed for the day to come.”

Here, we find a group of people on a journey they were warned not to take. I think of the journey we’ve taken as a society, where God’s Word clearly warns us of the consequences of abandoning age-old values that once made us strong and secure.

Ignoring the Word of God, this group found themselves in a storm of epic proportions. They did everything they knew to do, even throwing overboard their tackling—proven tools that had carried them safely from place to place for years. It’s the same in our society: as we cast aside foundational truths, we find ourselves adrift.

In desperation, they threw four anchors from the stern, hoping to slow their doomed journey, and prayed for the day to come. In other words, they began to long for the past. They said, “If only we could go back to the way things were.” Perhaps you’ve heard similar sentiments: “If only we could return to 1955, or 1970, or the 80s, or 90s—whatever the ‘golden years’ of our society were.”

But in the midst of this incredible storm, the safety of the people was dependent on one man not losing heart. Think about that for a moment: whose safety might depend on you not losing heart right now?

Who is looking to you as a believer in Jesus Christ? In your neighborhood, family, workplace—wherever you are—people may be hanging by a thread, hoping for someone to show them the way. If you lose heart, they lose hope.

The apostle Paul was in the belly of that ship. He was a prisoner, falsely accused, and enduring incredible discomfort. It would have been easy for him to lose heart, to take on the spirit of those around him—perhaps crying out for vengeance or justice. It would have been easy to become bitter, to ask, “Why me, Lord?”

Yet Paul didn’t lose heart. He believed that God had a purpose, richer and more powerful than anything they could imagine. When the time came, he had a word of comfort and a thankful heart.

In Galatians 6:9, Paul writes: “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Picture Paul stepping onto the deck of that breaking ship. He had two things in his heart:
1. A word from God. He told the people, “I’ve heard from God, and if you listen to me, you will all be saved.”
2. A thankful spirit. The scripture says he took bread, broke it, and gave thanks to God—even as the ship was going down.
Can you imagine the scene? A man giving thanks while the ship breaks apart. People must have wondered: “What is this man thankful for?” But Paul understood something they didn’t: God’s divine purpose was being realized through him.

Paul wasn’t there to preserve himself. He was there for the sake of others. He knew that the salvation of the passengers was part of God’s plan.

After the Storm

When the shipwreck survivors reached shore, they found a harsh, unfamiliar place. I believe that America—and the world—is becoming an unfamiliar place for many of us. It’s cold, uncomfortable, and uncertain.

Yet Paul continued to serve. He gathered sticks for the fire, and when a poisonous snake bit him, he shook it off into the flames. The locals expected him to die, but he didn’t. Instead, healing flowed through his hands. Paul prayed for the father of Publius, who was sick, and he was healed. Then, others came with their diseases, and they too were healed.

Paul had every reason to be bitter, to question God, to wish for a more comfortable journey. But he didn’t. He understood that his life had a higher purpose. He was there to bring God’s healing power to those around him.

Wishing for the Old

Ecclesiastes 7:10 says: “Do not say, ‘Why were the former days better than these?’ For you do not inquire wisely concerning this.”

Longing for the past blinds us to the miracles God wants to do today. If we only mourn for what was, we risk missing what God has for the future.

Instead, let us pray: “God, what do You have for me in this new year? What do You want to do through me in 2025? Give me a vision for the future, so I don’t miss it by clinging to the past.”

The new year brings new opportunities—new power, promises, and victories. If we focus on the past, our new year won’t be happy. Let’s thank God for where we are and trust Him for what’s ahead.

A Final Call to Action

In this season of storms, stay alive in Christ. Be ready to share the hope that is within you. Let your life be a light, guiding others to safety in Him. Remember the hymn “Let the Lower Lights Be Burning,” which tells the story of sailors lost at sea because a harbor master failed to light the lower lights.

You are called to keep your light burning, to show the way for those struggling to find safety in Christ.

May this year be your happiest yet, as you live with faith, hope, and purpose.

God bless you.