2023 was a significant year for me. I can't say that I had a solid, laid-out plan for how I wanted or thought the year should go, but there were many twists and turns I didn't anticipate. These ranged from having another baby and adjusting to life with three kids under three years old, to growing my team beyond what I would usually be comfortable with. I also focused on building my own competence and capacity as a leader, and even found myself fighting spiritual battles I never thought I'd be a candidate for.
Like I said, 2023 was a year!
But one thing I found was that, especially on the hardest days, I had the grace to do all and to do all well. Despite any fears and frustrations, I found myself carry it all with a divine ease. There’s just no way I could talk about this year, and indeed any part of my life’s journey, without giving all the glory to Jesus Christ, my Lord & personal Saviour. Without Him, I would have sank, over and over and over again.
Now, this post isn't so much about this year, but for the year ahead. Personally, and with the testimonies and revelations of a few people close to me, there has been the general consensus that 2024 is a year of elevation, announcement and new seasons for many of God's children. In that same vein, the action points relating to how we position ourselves to receive the full bounty of these blessings, is where the work needs to be done.
As you spend these last few weeks of the year reflecting and planning, here are pieces of Holy Spirit inspired counsel and Bible verses to meditate on, which I believe you will certainly find helpful in guiding your process:
Everything you desire to be, do and have - you will find them all in Jesus. Therefore, you too, must first be in Him to access all of it.
“All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men.” [John 1:3-4 AMP]
You know the inner peace, sense of purpose, freedom from soul torment and, prosperous life you are seeking - in Christ you have unhindered and legal access to these and more as you repent and get in right standing with God. There's no better time than now to finally surrender your life as you might know it, flaws and all, to Him through Jesus Christ, no matter how “costly” it may seem. Otherwise, and sadly so, all your planning and strategizing could be no more than merely chasing the wind. Get your soul right with Christ and your outside world has a greater chance of being right too.
“Beloved friend, I pray that you are prospering in every way and that you continually enjoy good health, just as your soul is prospering.” [3 John 1:2 TPT]
“But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.” [Matthew 6:33 AMP]
In all your planning, don’t leave God out of it. Don’t plan without God. It’s arrogance to think your life is in your hands. You didn’t create yourself, so it’s wise to check out the Manufacturer’s manual to avoid abuse and malfunction. It’s extremely important that you seek His guidance on how to proceed and what to even plan for.
“Come now [and pay attention to this], you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and carry on our business and make a profit.” Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen in your life tomorrow. [What is secure in your life?] You are merely a vapor [like a puff of smoke or a wisp of steam from a cooking pot] that is visible for a little while and then vanishes [into thin air]. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and we will do this or that.”” [James 4:13-15 AMP]
“Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].” [Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP]
“A person may have many ideas concerning God’s plan for his life, but only the designs of God’s purpose will succeed in the end.” [Proverbs 19:21 TPT]
So, to wrap up, I have just one invitation for you, depending on which of the following categories you fall into.
Someone reading this article knows that they’ve been searching for something different but they’ve been looking for it everywhere else but in God. They might have dabbled into new age practices but now find themselves riddled with this constant drowning feeling.
If this is you, Jesus Christ is here with a lifeboat, inviting you to join in. Would you rather drown or be rescued?
If you choose His rescue, I’m excited for you and it’d be my honor to share the good news of His redeeming love and how He has made it possible for us to be friends and children of God. Connect with me via Instagram and send me a DM with the words “I need Jesus Christ”.
Perhaps you’re reading this and saying, “Well, I know Jesus Christ but I’m not fully committed” or “I need to fix my relationship with Christ but don’t know where to start from”. Today is a good day to start again. He’s waiting with arms wide open like the Father who embraced His prodigal son despite his rebellion. If you’d like someone to guide you on the path back to reconciliation, you too can send me a DM with the words “I need Jesus Christ”.
I am excited in advance for you to get (re)acquainted with the redeemer and lover of your soul, Jesus Christ, as you position and prepare to walk fully in the manifestation of all God has already desired and willed for you. Just as Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” [Jeremiah 29:11 AMP]. This is true for me and it's also very true for you too, now and always.
With all my love, I wish you a happy new year in advance. May the Lord bless us and keep us till we catch up again in 2024.
Steph
✌🏼❤️
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