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Philippians 3:13-14 that says, “Brethren, I count not myself apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”  It’s midnight and the new year is here.  I’ve very grateful to have seen a new year as I know this wasn’t the case for many.

Putting this in perspective has slightly changed my outlook for the New Year. Usually, I would do a reflection of the previous year which lead to sulking in the disappointments that occurred and leaving little room to acknowledge or celebrate the wonderful things that did occur.  I decided to change my mindset entering 2024 after experiencing this shift in outlook.

While vision boards and resolutions are cool, I decided not to go that route.  I decided to take a stance on how I envision the rest of my life and not just 2024. Mulling over this notion for several days through prayer, meditation and bible reading I felt strengthen in a way that I hadn’t experience before.  Feeling wonderful with this empowerment, I quickly realized that to see God’s promises, I needed to activate them.

Before sharing my strategy, I suddenly recall God speaking to me last summer.  It was my husband’s birthday, and I took him to our favorite getaway in old town Virginia. We had a lovely time, but while on our getaway I decided to fast.  I stood at a crossroad, uncertain about the direction I needed to take.  I sought God through fasting and prayer about my problem and his response was not what I expected. 

Very clearly at 7:21a.m. I woke up and heard God say, “speak those things as though they were.”I felt excited to receive an answer but wasn’t thrilled about his direction in solving my problem. In the following months, I felt disquieted about God’s guidance.  I had this feeling that his solution wasn’t just for my current problem but for the overall direction of my life.

His words were attached to me for the next few months just like my eyeball is to my eye socket. Each day his words were louder, clearer, and firmer.  Reflecting on this, brought up some elements that I needed to repent for.  The element that stuck out the most was my communication with God or lack thereof.  I have a tendency to hold back on asking God for things.

I will talk around it but asking may take a while and asking for the impossible I wouldn’t dare.  I’ve taken steps to improve, but more work needs to be done.   I know, it’s crazy.  Especially because the bible states that we have not because we ask not (i.e., James 4: 2-3).   As I’m sitting on my bed ushering in the New Year, pondering on the above bible verse and his direction from last summer led to creating two strategies.

#1. I made a list of declarations for things that I wanted to take place in my life. Google defines declaration as an announcement, often one that is written and official. Instead of just believing that it will happen I decided to speak as though it is already happening.

#2. My motto for 2024 is Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

The list of declarations and motto is my way of activating God’s promises.  So often I move through life exercising only that mustard seed of faith.  Meeting the required is enough; faith expansion beyond set borders is necessary. Starting by speaking things into existence and recognizing that only the one who created me can accomplish these things is a good approach.

So, cheers to 2024.  Let go of what was and embrace what will be.  Live out loud without any borders or restrictions and watch God blow your mind.

Ease & Stillness,

Chetoca