Job 23: 10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
Oh, I am so glad and thankful that I made it into another year. Last night as I lay in bed, I could not help worshipping and thanking God in my spirit for keeping me another year despite everything that transpired. Not only did he keep me but, many of my family and friends were also able to cross into 2021.
I am smiling in my spirit about how God has proven to be faithful to His word. 2020 came with many unexpected challenges. The protection and provision of God prevailed because he did not forsake us, just as he promised in Hebrews 13:5 and Deuteronomy 31:6.
When he saw that we lacked the ability, strength, and resources to provide for ourselves and those in our family, He positioned people to be a blessing in our lives. I could go on and on about the miraculous wonders He performed to ensure that we were without lack.
Some of you may think it is strange, but I am thankful for 2020. It has matured me on so many levels. Sometimes God has to put us in certain situations to allow His purpose to fulfill His purpose, and I know personally that was the reason for all that occurred in 2020.
One of my goals was to start my blog, but it seemed there was always a delay or procrastination deterring me from getting it started.
When the pandemic occurred, I launched my blog in April because I had more time to focus. Not only that, but I also started real estate school, which was not on my original goal list. My prayer life also matured. In the past, I talked to God about my desire to start a prayer group, not knowing that he would use my cousin's COVID-19 diagnosis to start up the group. During the past ten months, we have prayed faithfully every Sunday for my cousin and people worldwide. Oh, and thanks be unto God, He healed my cousin.
God does not do anything by mistake. If you recall stories in the bible, you will find that God was conveying a message. As it was with Job when Satan asked permission to pursue him so that he could prove to God that if he took everything from him, regardless of his love for God and unrighteousness, then and only then would he curse God. God allowed it because to prove Satan wrong. Sure enough, our all-knowing God was right. Despite Job losing everything, he never cursed God. Instead, he said, I shall come forth as gold (Job 23:10). Meaning regardless of what I go through, it will not overtake me, and I shall prevail.
Today your testimony is that despite the unforeseen challenges you faced in 2020, you can say that you made it. In 2020 we said that it would be the year of clarity and clear vision. Not once did we think that it would take a pandemic to show us what that truly meant. God has shown you who you really are and the qualities you truly possess. We all experienced things we would have never fathomed such, as homeschooling our children; being away from loved ones for days, weeks, and months; hospitalization; loss of homes, cars, and jobs but, it was used to prove our true character.
Yes, You faced many challenges, but God has shown you that you are much stronger than you have ever imagined. You personally witnessed firsthand that you can lose your job but still provide for your family. You have seen that you can teach your children from home without an Education degree, and they make straight A’s. You saw that you could be faithful and consistent in your prayer life because every time you or a family member left home, you prayed for God protection. Even on social media or calls and texts, you received from family and friends asking for prayer without hesitation, you prayed.
I hope that you get the picture now. If you could withstand unpredicted and unforeseen situations in 2020 that you had no control over, what is stopping you now? You made it even when you said and thought you could not. When you watched CNN and witnessed the many lives that suffered because of COVID-19, God kept you. When money got funny, as they say, out of nowhere blessings, started pouring in. In case you are still wondering, what was the purpose of 2020. It was to show you that you are definitely ready and fully equipped for what is next.
I leave you with these few tips for preparing for what's next for you in 2021.
How to Prepare for What’s Next?
1. First, forget about what didn’t work out in 2020.
Hebrews 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
2. Ask God for direction and guidance in determining what your next move shall be in 2021.
Proverbs 19:20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
Proverbs 19:21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.
3. Write down your plans and goals so you can stay focused, committed, and consistent.
Habakkuk 2:2 And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
4. Find an accountability partner. In whom you trust, respect, and will give you sound and constructive counsel.
Proverbs 15:22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
5. Then go to work executing the plan God gave you.
Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Be blessed!
Author Harriet Lane
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