Stepping Into a New Year
Making New Year’s resolutions was always the easy part. I once thought it was something we were expected to do simply because of the special day being celebrated. But in truth, every day should be viewed as a new opportunity to make resolutions. Each day we are given is a gift from God—an opportunity to grow in hope, patience, and love by discovering ourselves anew, not through our own perspective, but through God’s.
Our Heavenly Father desires for us to grow a little each day, becoming more like Him—patient, honest, hopeful, joyful, loving, understanding, forgiving, knowledgeable, and so much more. When we are purified through the salvation of Jesus Christ, our true purpose and journey begin. It is then up to us to grow in God’s Word and to navigate the trials and challenges we face each day by surrendering control to Him and trusting that He will direct our paths along the way.
I have learned so much over the past few months, and my faith and patience have grown in ways I never expected. Growth took time—learning to trust God in all things and to recognize that even events that are painful or difficult can lead to healing, reconciliation, and unity. We live in a broken world filled with sin, and no one is perfect, even after salvation. Christians stumble as they grow in faith and trust in God. Some trials are heavier than others, but when we step back from the immediacy of the moment and seek to understand the why—the broader picture of what God is doing—we begin to see His hand at work.
If we do not understand the why during the storm, that is when our faith must carry us through. And when the storm settles, God often brings us to a quiet place where He reveals the reason behind it.
Storms can take many shapes and forms. Sometimes they come as a result of disobedience, meant to refocus our hearts back on God. Other times, God allows us into a storm like He did with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were placed in the furnace. Three were thrown in, yet a fourth appeared with them—Jesus Himself—protecting them because they stood firm in obedience. Through their faithfulness, God’s light was revealed.
During a storm, there is often so much happening that we attempt to analyze and understand everything at once. Yet to remain calm and move through the storm, we must remember who God is, who we are, and who carries us through. Stepping into a storm we cannot see through, while trusting the ONE who can, brings a serene assurance and confidence that all things are in God’s hands and will work for His honor and glory.
Staying close to God during these times is essential, for He holds the map that guides us through. Just as God directed Joseph after Jesus was born to flee into Egypt, He directs us today. Joseph likely had plans—to return home, to his work as a carpenter, to the comforts he had prepared for his family. Yet he obeyed God without knowing the full reason at the time. Through his obedience, generations were blessed.
We often do not know the full impact of a single decision—not just for ourselves, but for generations to come. We are here for only a brief moment compared to eternity, so how are we navigating this time? Are we merely surviving, living paycheck to paycheck, or are we looking beyond the present to see what God is doing? Are we allowing Him to use us as a reflection of His light in a dark storm?
Recently, I found myself in a conversation—one I was not prepared for in that moment, since it was not the main topic of discussion then. I recognized it as a spiritual attack. While my response was not accepted by the other individual, my stance remained firm in my faith and belief in God’s Word. How do I know God is real? I have witnessed His divine hand in ways that cannot be explained otherwise. I have seen miracles in my own life. God has changed me in ways that those closest to me can clearly see. People can pretend only for so long, but the transformation that comes through true salvation is undeniable.
If I were to follow the New Year’s tradition of making a resolution, it would be this: to trust God more—especially in the small things. We are here for only a brief moment in eternity, and each day, each unexpected event, carries eternal significance. Each morning, let us invite God to walk with us, to strengthen us, and to deepen our spiritual walk with Him. May we seek knowledge and discernment, hope and patience, as we wait for prayers to be answered. Let us remember that God is not in a hurry. His timing is perfect. May we lay aside our own expectations and focus instead on His divine plan.
Let Him lead the way. May He guide our paths today, tomorrow, and every day to follow. May we never place limits on what God can do. May our faith carry us forward, knowing that all things work for His honor and glory.
Join me in prayer as we ask God for guidance for the upcoming year.
Lord, I ask that You be with me as I navigate this New Year. Help me to wait patiently as You walk before me, that I may discern the direction You have prepared. May Your will be done in all that I do, say, and share.
I ask that You be with each person joining me in this prayer. Guide their every step, allowing them to walk on solid ground with confidence, knowing You are preparing the path ahead. Each day is a gift. May we remain humble, recognizing You in all things, and may all honor and glory be given to You.
God, be with the brokenhearted. So much has changed in just one year. We recognize that You have grown our patience and faith, and we ask that we apply those lessons to the challenges ahead. Before we step into action, may we seek You first, knowing that You go before us—our greatest comfort and reassurance.
Blessings are ahead. May we be grateful enough to recognize them when they arrive. And when storms come, may we remember they are for Your glory and for Your light to shine through us.
Help me to be a better wife, mother, friend, and child of God. Keep my focus on You in uncertain times, and may I praise You boldly when You perform miracles in my life. Thank You for the year behind me and the lessons it brought. Renew me daily by Your grace. Thank You for the blessings past and those yet to come.
May You be with all of us as we step into a refreshed and renewed year.
In Jesus’ name, may He receive all honor, glory, and praise. Amen.
