Wednesday, December 18 2024
I started my day today, as I often do, reflecting on the negative feelings I carry instead of focusing on what God has accomplished through me. Perhaps it’s this time of year—the season of reflection—when we naturally start thinking about a new year and what we might do differently as we step into it. I decided to be a “fruit inspector” of my life—looking back on 2024 to see what was accomplished, which areas bore fruit, and which areas may have simply distracted me or kept me unproductive. When we focus on the fruit of our lives instead of the disappointments or frustrations, our perspective changes drastically. At the start of 2024, we set out with a determination to use our resources to advance the Kingdom of God in a new way. Did it stretch us? Absolutely. Fear of lack has always been a pressure in my life—probably from growing up with that tension. Often, I focus on the lack more than the prosperity. But today, I refuse to dwell on that. Instead, I choose to celebrate what God accomplished this year. We sowed in ways we had never done before, intentionally giving to see God’s Kingdom advance. Looking back, I see God moving mightily in South Dakota. What had seemed locked up suddenly opened. We participated in three trips with our Pastor to minister in the Lemmon and Spearfish areas. Doors continued to open wider, and God took notice of South Dakota in a new way. Why? Because our sowing opened the door for Him to move. I also witnessed a breakthrough in my husband’s health. After years of struggle, his body is being renewed—a major step forward. I believe our faithful sowing unlocked the heart of God on our behalf. Then, God opened Kentucky in a new way. Again, our giving positioned us for His movement. Opportunities emerged for us to be used by God to see Kentucky open in ways we had never imagined. I have a story to share about this and plan to do so because God is faithful. If you position yourself, He will use you in ways you never expected. I am not saying we are anything special. I am saying that sowing opens the heart of God on our behalf. Through giving, our desires are laid before Him, and we position ourselves for dreams to be unlocked. Of course, we faced challenges this year. Long-standing mindsets that had held me back are beginning to break. You have no idea how much these patterns can trap you—keeping you stuck, broke, and frustrated. Overcoming them takes time, but I refuse to live under mindsets that undermine God’s power to do mighty things through my life. So, as I step into this new year, I am not making empty resolutions. I am reflecting on what worked in 2024, recognizing the desires of my heart that were fulfilled, and pressing on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). What would I change? I would focus even more on what produces in my life. I would let go of distractions that confuse me. I would set aside all fear of lack and step into a new revelation of the power of the seed in my life—the power to position myself to see God move in areas I have battled with all my life. Let’s take a new journey together. Let’s see 2025 break open in ways we never imagined. Give with intentionality and purpose—your money has a mission. What are you doing with it? I intend to make 2025 the most prosperous year of my life. I believe the mindsets that have plagued me will be broken, and I will walk into a freedom I have never known. I believe God will bring new business ideas to multiply the “seed” for the advancement of His Kingdom. Take time today to establish Kingdom goals for your life. Personal goals are good, but Kingdom goals are essential. Your resources need a mission or they will be squandered on things without eternal impact. Stretch yourself and allow God to expand your capacity to receive more from Him. You cannot see expansion while holding on to the same old patterns. Give with intentionality, purpose, and expectation, and watch God unlock your heart and fulfill dreams you may have laid dormant due to disappointment. Dare to dream again! Dare to believe again! 2025, I welcome you with open arms. I embrace the new things of God and step into His promises for my life. It’s going to be a good year! Blessings, |
