By this time in the year, many of us—if we are honest—have already broken our New Year’s resolutions.
I certainly have.
I committed to stop working late and to reclaim healthier rhythms. Yet here I am again answering emails and pushing projects forward after 10 PM. I also planned to stay on track with my Bible reading to complete Scripture in one year. That, too, slipped within the first weeks of 2026.
So much for good intentions.
But the real issue isn’t simply broken routines—it’s the weight that follows. When we fail our own expectations, we carry disappointment and self-imposed pressure. We strive harder. We promise to “do better next time.”
Yet the Lord keeps reminding me of something deeper: Inner joy does not come through personal striving. It comes through surrender.
Joy is not found in perfect discipline. It is found in resting in the One who kept every promise perfectly on our behalf.
When the stress of failure creeps in, there is one place that realigns my heart—God’s Word. As I return daily to Scripture, my focus shifts. I am reminded:
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:1
The gospel resets my expectations. My worth is not anchored in productivity or performance—it is anchored in Christ.
And then something beautiful happens.
After spending time in the Word, I begin reading the testimonies arriving from around the world. Suddenly, the stress melts away. My focus moves from myself… to the countless souls rejoicing in what God is doing through His Word.
And that brings deeper joy than any resolution ever could.
Sandra wrote:
“To the team of the ‘Thru the Bible’ program, may the peace of the Lord be with you. I am writing to sincerely thank you for this program, which I have followed faithfully since its inception. Through your teachings, I finally understand God’s thoughts behind each letter of the Bible, and this has profoundly enriched my faith and my understanding of Scripture.”
What a reminder that God’s Word does not return void (Isaiah 55:11). It is opening hearts and transforming lives.
Another viewer, S.A., shared:
“I now understand what you said: ‘Our worth is in Christ alone.’ And that really helps me. Our worth lies in what the Lord has done for us and not in what we have done to serve Him… Thank you! Yes, we are loved by Him and chosen and adopted through Christ. The weight of failure and guilt is removed from my shoulders.”
These words remind us that we all need to stop striving to earn God’s approval and instead rest in Christ’s finished work on our behalf.
Then we received this testimony from Mrs. ZF:
“Thank you for your prayer and your Bible program on EMCI. My husband gave his life to the Lord; he is now the leader of the church’s commandos. I bless the name of Jesus Christ.”
From hearing the Word… to surrendering to Christ… to leading others.
This is the transforming power of the Gospel.
As I read these stories—and many more—my personal disappointments shrink beside the eternal work God is accomplishing worldwide.
Instead of broken resolutions, I see:
- Souls discovering their identity in Christ
- Burdens of guilt lifted
- Hearts transformed
- New believers rising to lead
And I am reminded again: Joy does not come from managing life perfectly. Joy comes from surrendering fully.
As the apostle Paul wrote:
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)
When we shift our eyes from our performance to Christ’s finished work—and witness Him transforming lives through His Word—joy overflows.
Thank you for standing with us. Because of your prayers and partnership, men and women around the world are moving from guilt to grace, from confusion to clarity, and from striving to surrender.
The greatest joy is not found in keeping resolutions.
It is found in surrendering to the one and only God who always keeps His promises.
With gratitude and renewed joy,
Bashar Abdo
Director- Media Ministry