Introduction

Good morning, dear church family. It is a joy to gather together in this sanctuary, a sacred space where we can share our hopes and fears, our triumphs and trials, and most importantly, our faith. We are here today to usher in the new year with our hearts open, our spirits renewed, and our minds clear and focused on the Word of God.

Our Scripture today comes from the book of Micah, chapter 7, verses 7 and 8. Let's read it together: "But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me."

What a powerful passage, isn't it? It speaks of a faith that is unshaken, a hope that is unwavering, and a God who is unchanging. It speaks of a believer who, though he may fall, will rise again, for he knows that his God will be a light to him in the darkest of times.

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, we may find ourselves reflecting on the year that was - the highs and lows, the victories and defeats, the joys and sorrows. But let us not dwell on the past, for we serve a God who is making all things new.

Falling and Rising with Faith

The Scripture we read today from the book of Micah is a testament to the resilience of faith. It's a story of a believer who, despite falling, rises again with the assurance that his God will be there to guide him through the darkness. This is a powerful image, one that speaks to the heart of every believer who has ever faced trials and tribulations.

The first aspect of this idea we'll look at is the act of falling. Falling is a part of life. We all stumble, we all make mistakes, and we all face setbacks. It's a universal experience, one that can often leave us feeling defeated and discouraged. But the believer in Micah doesn't wallow in his fall. Instead, he uses it as an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to strengthen his faith.

This brings us to the second aspect: rising. Rising is the natural response to falling. It's the act of picking ourselves up, dusting ourselves off, and continuing on our path. But rising isn't just about physical recovery. When we rise, we're not just returning to our former state. We're evolving, we're improving, and we're becoming stronger in our faith.

Next is the role of faith in this process. Faith is the driving force behind both falling and rising. It's what gives us the courage to face our challenges, the strength to overcome them, and the hope to believe in a better future. Without faith, we would be left in the darkness, unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But with faith, we can navigate through the darkest times and emerge stronger on the other side.

The final aspect we'll discuss is the promise of God's presence. The believer in Micah knows that he is not alone in his struggles. He knows that his God will be there to guide him, to comfort him, and to light his way. This is the ultimate source of his strength and his hope. It's what enables him to rise after each fall, and it's what sustains him through the darkest times.

Focusing on God's Promises in the New Year

As we turn our gaze to the promises of God in the coming year, we find ourselves drawn to the words of Micah, our guide in this spiritual expedition ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO