A 2025 New Year Challenge. You can make more room for God. Start the year by watching or listening to this message by Pastor Larry.
The beginning of a new year is always a time to reflect, refocus, and reset priorities. As we enter 2025, I want to share a powerful reminder: Make Room for God. This isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s a challenge to intentionally create space for God to work, lead, and transform us.
A Reflection on Devastation and God’s Nature
This past week, the tragic events in Los Angeles have been a stark reminder of how quickly life can change. Over 100,000 people have been displaced by fires, and while the skies seem calm in other areas, the devastation continues just miles away. Events like this raise deep questions: Why do such things happen? Is God behind them?
The truth is clear—God is not the author of devastation. He is a God of love, light, and good. Tragedies, sickness, and disasters are not His tools to bring people to Him. Instead, He showed His ultimate love through Jesus Christ, who came to give us life in abundance (John 10:10). Blaming God for tragedies misrepresents His character and His purpose. As James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
Key Points to Consider
Tragedy Doesn’t Lead People to God—Love Does
Tragedy often stirs anger or confusion rather than faith. While some individuals might turn to God during tough times, most are drawn to Him through His love, grace, and the gospel's message. Jesus’ life exemplifies this—He healed the sick, calmed storms, and raised the dead. He didn’t cause harm to draw people in; He revealed God’s goodness through His actions.
We Have a Role in Protecting Our World
In Genesis, Adam was tasked with tending and protecting the garden. His failure to guard what God entrusted to him gave the enemy access to steal, kill, and destroy. Similarly, we are called to make decisions that align with God’s will, guarding our hearts and lives against the enemy’s influence (Ephesians 4:27).
Making Room for God Requires Decisions
Making room for God is not automatic—it’s intentional. It starts with surrendering your life to Him through salvation and continues with daily decisions to follow Christ. As Matthew 6:24 reminds us, “No one can serve two masters.” To make room for God, we must let go of things competing for His place in our lives.
Spiritual Disciplines Create Space for God
Prayer, fasting, Bible study, and worship are essential spiritual disciplines that help us make room for God. These practices shift our focus from worldly distractions to His eternal purposes. Jesus taught us to pray for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven—this requires our active participation.
Drive a Stake in the Ground
Like the farmer who drove a stake into his field as a reminder of his decision to follow God; we must make firm, quality decisions to serve God wholeheartedly. Whether breaking free from destructive habits, prioritizing time with God, or committing to live righteously, these decisions are the foundation of a life that makes room for Him.
Conclusion: The Challenge of 2025
As we embrace this new year, let’s make room for God in every area of our lives—our families, careers, relationships, and personal walk with Him. This isn’t about perfection but about surrender and intentionality. When we prioritize God, He brings transformation, peace, and purpose that nothing else can offer.
Take Action:
Start by giving your life to Jesus if you haven’t already. He is the doorway to a relationship with God.
Make quality decisions to follow Him daily.
Practice spiritual disciplines that draw you closer to Him.
Let 2025 be the year you make room for God and experience the abundant life He has promised.
Here is an addational study on Spiritual Disciplines to help you Make Room for God in 2025
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