Dear Christian, 2024 has been a year you can describe using any adjective as you see fit per your personal experiences. For me, it has been a year that has strengthened my resolve to embrace my limitations while doing everything I set out to do even when afraid. It has been the year that has reminded me that I am capable of leading myself through crisis and counting triumph even when someone else sees failure. It has been an affirming year.
2025 is beckoning us over. When we cross over, I pray you remember that beyond what you think of yourself, you are God’s masterpiece created in His image (Genesis 1:27) and that you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).
When we cross over, I pray that throughout 2025, you remember that beyond the plans you make, God has intricate plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11). That the plans are not for destroying you but to prosper you to fulfil your mission on earth.
When we cross over, I pray that throughout 2025, you remember that because you are a sinful human, your emotions will fail you often and your heart will harbour deceitful and wicked desires (Jeremiah 17:9). Because of this, even when you pursue righteousness on your own accord, even what is deemed as your most righteous deeds will appear as filthy as a rug to the courts of heaven (Isaiah 64:6)
When we cross over, I pray that throughout 2025, because you will remain aware of your fallibility as a human, that you remember to embrace God’s perfect will and place your trust in Him for all your endeavours ( Proverbs 3:5-6). Remember that when your human will unites with the will of God, great things can happen because it is God who will inspire you to will to do good (Philippians 2:13)
When we cross over, I pray that you will not be surprised by obstacles, not being helped by those you had hoped to help, betrayals becoming imminent or looming around you, doubt about you succeeding in something intimate with your life’s purpose attempting to cloud your mind, misrepresentation of your truth, casting of aspersions on your character, your credit being given to another, your reward being delayed, and being rejected, among others.
When we cross over, I pray that because the hardships mentioned above are the realities of life’s path, that you remember the biblical parable about the wicked vinedressers that climaxed with Jesus saying, “the stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone (Luke 20:17).
When we cross over, I pray that throughout 2025, when you become weary about your name not being mentioned in rooms, at tables and in halls of fame as you expect, that you remember the assurance in Luke 19:40 that God’s plans for you and all earth will be fulfilled even if many keep silent or fold hands because God can use stones to make it happen. I pray that with this you remember to not be threatened by bridges lost or burnt.
When we cross over, if you are a leader who is managing teams to build something, I pray that you remember to take to learning a lot from Nehemiah s story of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls and what he had to deal with and how electing to be a good steward of his privilege and favour and wisdom of God led him through it all (Nehemiah 1-8)
When we cross over, I pray that throughout 2025, should you have a moment of triumph or loss, that your faith suffices to afford you living with gratitude. That you remember to be thankful always and look out for even the simplest things to be grateful for (Philippians 4:4) and do so before God (Psalm 100:1-2) and make Thanksgiving a habit (Deuteronomy 16:15.).
Ultimately, when we cross over, I pray that throughout 2025, you remember to take to tapping into the priceless counsel and wealth of scripture to understand circumstances around you and be guided in fulfilling your life’s purpose.
I pray for you a gratitude-filled and, faith-filled 2025 in which you will only be preoccupied with your contentment with God’s perfect unfailing will.
Koiti Emmily 