Last night we stayed up for the New Year in self defense. The locals have a nasty habit of setting off fireworks in the residential area where we are staying, and we have tents up: spent fireworks and ripstop nylon do not mix well. However, the fireworks stopped, and this morning we walked through a resort that was silent as many were nursing their first hangover of the new year.

We were talking what to do over the next few days and weeks. It is the new year, and there are many people talking about using this to motivate change. Many of these things are useful.

But that is not where we need to go today. We need to look at the promises we have. Our first priority at the beginning of the year, indeed every day, should be Christ. Our second priority should be the people we are placed with.

And we are told to pray, expecting an answer. To those who have been in defeat, as I was for years, this feels odd. We have prayed for good to happen and our hopes to be achieved and we ended up patching up those around us as our families broke up. We worry for our children, that they will gain salvation, and have some peace.

And the news from society is bleak. How then can we hope?

In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

(John 16:23-24 ESV)

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

(Colossians 2:6-12 ESV)

There are many who would tell me to give up. My first marriage failed: I should not remarry. I should not bear witness. I have been defeated and I should have the decency to let evil triumph, and nor rise.

But this is not what we should be. We should walk with Christ. If we do that, and we ask, we will be asking within his will, and not in sin.

And we will find our defeats are temporary. I have three children, and none of hem was a mistake. I am proud of all of them. They show courage, they care for those they have responsibility for, and they build not break down.

And I pray that they all find Christ. And that we will all find that our prayers align with Christ, and we praise God.