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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.  The shift caused a change in how I would approach 2023.

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 2023. 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.  The empowerment felt wonderful, yet I was quickly reminded to see God’s promises I needed to activate them.  

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 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 was excited that I got an answer, but wasn’t thrilled about his direction on solving my problem. The following months I was disquieted about God’s direction.  I had this feeling that his solution wasn’t just for my current problem but for the overall direction of my life.

Just like my eyeball is attached to the eye socket so was his words in my head. 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 declarations as a formal or explicit statement or announcement.  Instead of just believing that it will happen I decided to speak as though it is already happening.

#2. My motto for 2023 is Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

The list of declarations and motto for the new year and beyond is my way of activating God’s promises.  So often I move through life exercising only mustard seed faith.  While that is all that is required of us I want to expand my faith where there aren’t any borders.  Speaking things as though they were and recognizing that I can accomplish all things with the one who created everything.

So, cheers to 2023! 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 B.