Hello there! Yes, it’s that time again. The parties have come to an end. Your menu has probably changed from rice and chicken to posho and beans (it’s very okay, it’s healthy eating anyway). The refreshing breeze of village air is as far away as the east is from the west. Yes, the new year is staring you in the face. Happy new year!

You may or may have not written down your resolutions for 2022. Your bank balance may be staring at you, wondering what in the name of cassava you are up to. I have one message for you: worry not, do not be afraid.

With each passing day, as I delve into the rich knowledge of the scriptures, I increasingly find myself meeting one particular phrase; “DO NOT BE AFRAID” This is one of the most commonly repeated phrases in the Bible. There are countless times where God, either by Himself or through a messenger, encourages either a leader or the children of Israel to fear not. For example, in the book of Joshua, God tells Joshua and by extension the Israelites not to be afraid when going into battle with an enemy nation.  

“Now the Lord said to Joshua: “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land.

Joshua 8:1 NKJV

The Bible points out many examples where God calls a person to do a particular task, and this call is answered with fear and doubts. In many of these scenarios, God responds to these peoples' worries and doubts by telling them not to be afraid. In telling them that they should not be afraid, God was not telling them that their task would not have any challenges, instead, He was reassuring them. He was telling them that he was in control of the situation and that they would be successful in the task they were called to do.

“But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the descendants of Abraham My friend. You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest regions, and said to you, ‘You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:8-10

In the same vein, God has called us to carry out specific tasks this year. If you do not know what God has called you to do this year, it's alright, God is your loving Father, continue to seek His face and He will reveal His glorious plans to you.

^“ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV

Make a plan for what God has called you to achieve this year or what you would like to achieve this year. Make those plans known to Him. He will give you guidance and wisdom on how to be successful in all that you set out to do this year.

For many, the month of January seems like it has 100 days. So you may be asking yourself; “Yes, God has called me to do great things this year, that’s all well and good. But how am I going to survive until the end of January?” Well, do not be afraid, for our God is a gracious provider.

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Matthew 6:31-33

What is the point I am making? Do not be afraid, for this is the year of RESTORATION. If you don’t believe me, ask President Yoweri, Kaguta Museveni. It cannot be a coincidence that the government of Uganda is ending the lockdown this January.

So do not be afraid, God is calling us to be leaders who will bring about spiritual, social, and economic transformation not just in our individual lives, but more so in the life of our society, our nation, and the globe as a whole.

Your health, your business, your career, your marriage, your family, your ministry, and your relationship with God. All these facets and more are being restored to a place of glory this year. The purpose of this restoration is to manifest the goodness of God so that all can come to the knowledge of His saving grace.

“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?  If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?  Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

James 2:14-17

As you look towards restoration, apply wisdom. What steps do you need to take to see this restoration come to life? Who do you need to talk to? Who do you need to follow? Which spaces should you join? Once again, ask God to guide and instruct you.

Happy New Year and enjoy  2022, Your Year of Restoration. I sign out, leaving you in the wise and trusting hands of Prophet Jeremiah:

“But do not fear, O My servant Jacob, And do not be dismayed, O Israel!

For behold, I will save you from afar, And your offspring from the land of their captivity;

Jacob shall return, have rest, and be at ease; No one shall make him afraid.

Jeremiah 46:27 NKJV                 

BY TUMUHAIRWE BRUNO EDGARD

bruno@coufamilytv.co.ug