, Faith for the Next Chapter
Colossians 4:2-4 (NKJV)
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.”
This journey has opened my eyes in ways I never imagined. When you truly know who the Lord is and how deeply He loves you, everything changes—your outlook, your life, and even how you see yourself. My own relationship with Him has been forever transformed. My prayer for you is that you come to know, without a doubt, that the Lord wants the very best for you—even in the moments when you struggle to believe it yourself.
For me, one of my greatest battles was the fear that my past disqualified me—that my failures would come back to haunt me. I often wondered, “How can I help someone else when I struggle to help myself?” But I learned something: that kind of thinking doesn’t stop God—it only stops us. His plan isn’t hindered by our weakness. So I encourage you today: take time to ask the Lord what He wants you to do, and then ask Him to open the doors for you to walk in it.
Paul prayed a similar prayer in Ephesians 6:19-20 (NKJV):
“…that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
We don’t have to be afraid. When we are aligned with His Word, He will give us the words to say and the courage to speak them. Maybe this word is just for me, but if you’ve ever wrestled with the thought, “Why would God choose to use me?”—I want you to know you’re not alone. The Lord isn’t looking for perfection. He’s looking for surrender. And He promises to equip you with everything you need to carry out His purpose.
The process of growth isn’t always easy—in fact, it can be uncomfortable and even painful. But I’ve learned to see it as proof that God is working in me. Scripture reminds us that those He loves, He corrects. So, don’t lose heart. Keep your head lifted, stay rooted in His Word, and keep building your relationship with Him. You are not alone in this journey—this is a continual process of growth and development for all of us.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being patient with me. Thank You for seeing not just where I am, but where You’re taking me. Help me to keep trusting You, walking with You, and boldly stepping into the doors You open before me. Amen.
Call to Action:
As you step out of this year and prepare to enter the next, don’t move forward on autopilot. Pause, pray, and reflect on what God has done—and then look ahead with expectation. Take time to ask the Lord what He is calling you to release, what He wants you to carry forward, and where He is opening new doors. Make a decision today to enter the new year with purpose: commit to deeper prayer, greater obedience, and bold faith. Write it down. Pray over it. Take one intentional step toward what God is showing you. Don’t wait until you feel ready—walk forward trusting that the God who carried you through this year will fully equip you for the year to come.
