Recently, I have been reading The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander, and I came across these words: “standing on the precipice of possibility.” Although not said in the context of the calendar flipping to a new number, it struck me as the perfect description as we launch into a new year. We stand balanced on that ledge. The great unknown is before us, and oh, the possibilities that lie ahead.
We’ve just finished the exciting season of celebrating the birth of our Saviour. However, something that captured my attention over the last few weeks dovetails with my thoughts about the new year. Several of the main characters in the Christmas story humbled themselves and willingly surrendered to God when they stood on that precipice of possibility.
An angel told Mary, a virgin, that she would have a baby. After a few questions about the how, Mary responded, “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1: 38b). Joseph, too, submitted to God’s plan when he also stood in that momentous place facing a blurry future. And Elizabeth and Zechariah, the parents of John the Baptist, also elected to trust God. An angel shocked them with the news that they would have a child in their old age. So, in faith, they chose to submit to God’s plan when they stood on that precipice. As a result, look at what possibilities opened for all humanity because of the choices each of those people made.
As we begin 2026 and stand on the precipice of possibility, what will we allow God to do with our lives? Will we fall back into the same old, same old, or will we be willing to trust God with the fresh year and allow Him to lead us in new directions? Isaiah 43:19 (NIV) says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
My husband and I have had front-row seats to observe God’s faithfulness in action over the last year since his diagnosis. And although our lives look different from before, we stand on that precipice of possibility too. God can still use us despite our changed circumstances. Who knows what surprising doors might open for all of us when we humble ourselves, surrender control to God, and embrace the possibilities as did Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, and Elizabeth?
Thank you for joining me on this journey over the last year. May you find joy in surprising places in the coming months. And may the God of peace hold you close to His heart and use you in ways far beyond your imaginings. New possibilities await us all!
Until next time,
Brenda Erb Roberts
For further reading:
My previous Inspirational reflection: Does Hope Fit into 2025?
Looking Back: Last January’s Inspirational thoughts: A Lake or a Puddle?
My latest Lighter Side (Humour) blog post: T’is the Season of Epic Cooking Fails.