Good news or bad news? As we move into the final months of 2012, much of what we read or hear in world news could sap us of energy and drain us of hope.

But there is good news! As Christians we can draw on limitless power that can see us through trials and develop a sustaining vision that can help us tackle tough problems and keep moving forward. We can capture the same powerful vision that kept Christians in the first century centered and focused, even when they faced fearsome persecution at the hands of Roman leaders.

What is this vision and this power? I write here of the coming Kingdom of God, a reality that will one day soon completely replace what the apostle Paul described as this "present evil age" (Galatians 1:4). In the recent September-October issue of The Good News magazine, in an article titled "The Kingdom of God—A Vision for You," I wrote of how this powerful, all-changing vision can be developed and sustained. If you have not read it yet, I hope you will, as it provides some practical advice on how you can build a vision for your life that dispels fear and how you can draw into your life the very power of the Almighty God!

How do we begin to experience this power? We are directed by Jesus Christ Himself to "seek first the Kingdom of God" (Matthew 6:33). The Kingdom of God is an unspeakably wonderful gift that God Himself will present to us (Luke 12:32) and one that cannot be earned. But as 21st century disciples following the example of Jesus Christ, we are expected to begin a process of deep spiritual transformation (Romans 12:1-2) that will achieve two things: First, it will help prepare us for an eternity of service in this glorious coming Kingdom of God, and second, it allows us to be used by God to be living examples of His way of life. And the present benefits of doing this are many.

As we move further into this literal spiritual transformation, the fruits of these focused efforts produces a peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7) and a new power to withstand and gain priceless wisdom from the difficult trials of life (James 1:2-5). Our lives improve in many ways once we're on an active path to truly seek God and His Kingdom!

As my article points out, God has a specific plan for you. He already knows your thoughts (Psalm 94:11), good or bad, and God earnestly desires for a direct relationship with you through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:17-19). He wants you to know of and fully understand "His incomparably great power for us who believe" (verse 19).

Once you have an understanding of God's plan for you and have taken the necessary steps to tap into the very power of God, then you will likely soon join with the author of Hebrews, who wrote: "We may boldly say: 'The Lord is my helper, I will not fear. What can man do to me?'" (Hebrews 13:6).

Thank you for your continued interest in The Good News magazine and in God's way of life. If I or others in the United Church of God can be of service to you as you seek first the Kingdom of God, please don't hesitate to write and let us know.