Happy new year 2026, Encouraging Thoughts

*WASHED FOR A NEW BEGINNING*

As we step into a new year, many of us desire a fresh start—a new beginning filled with hope, peace, and purpose.

In the Bible, we read about Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Syria. He was a great and honourable man, mighty in valour, respected by many. Yet, despite all his success and status, he had one serious problem— *leprosy.* It was a disease he could not hide, fix, or heal by himself.

In the same way, no matter who we are—rich or poor, educated or uneducated—there is something common to all of us: *sin* . Just as leprosy separated people in biblical times, sin separates us from God. It is a problem no human effort can fully cure.

When Naaman went to Elisha seeking recovery from leprosy, he expected something dramatic. Instead, he was asked to do something very simple—to dip himself seven times in the Jordan River. At first, he was angry and disappointed. It didn’t make sense to him. But when he humbled himself and obeyed, *his flesh was restored and became like that of a little child—clean and new.*

Today, many people think salvation comes through good works—helping the poor, going to church, attending meetings, or living a “good” life. While these things are good, they cannot save us. *Salvation comes only through faith.*

Just as Naaman had to trust and obey, we are called to believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose again on the third day. When we believe in Him and accept Him as our personal Saviour, we are forgiven, washed by His cleansing blood, and given a new life.

This New Year, God is offering us more than resolutions or temporary change. He offers us a new heart, a new beginning, and a new identity in Christ. Just as Naaman received new flesh, we too can become a new creation in Him.

📖 *Verse to Remember* 📖

*2 Corinthians 5:17*

_Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new._

✍️ ✍️ ✍️ ✍️ Sis Shincy Jonathan, Australia 🇦🇺

Mission Sagacity Volunteer