It’s hard to believe in just 31 days, we will say goodbye to another decade, an era will end.
At the beginning of 2019, I heard the Lord say, “more”. I got excited. I prepared for more – more of Him, more opportunities to speak, more financially, more. But I was not prepared for the more to come with “more opposition”. Honestly, I wasn’t prepared to fight for the more.
The first Sunday in November, we had a guest Pastor at our church. He was praying with my friend. I went up to pray with her, not expecting what happened next. The visiting Pastor began to speak a very encouraging word over me, things I needed to hear. He didn’t know me, so I know this was God confirming me after a difficult trial. And then the Pastor prophesied, “more”.
Honestly, I was a little offended, not with the Pastor but with God.
I thought, “It’s November and I haven’t seen the more you promised in January. And the more I have seen has not been pleasant.”
But I’m so glad God longs to be gracious towards me. He can handle my momentary temper tantrum. He loves me even when I’m insolent. He doesn’t remove my blessing when I’m ungrateful. In His grace and mercy, He helped me understand what He is doing.
Maybe some of you, need these reminders as well.
1. There is no expiration date on God’s promises. He is not a fairy god-father whose blessings expire on December 31 each year. He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it. Be patient.
2. We don’t always interpret correctly what God is saying. God said, “More”. I added “in 2019”. I took it as a word for the year, but God meant it as a lifestyle. We go from glory to glory. He constantly wants to give me more – more of Him, more revelation, more power, more love for others.
3. The difficulties I faced in 2019, were actually seasons ending, so new seasons could begin. You can’t move to a new season, clinging to a former season. And apparently, many seasons had to end in 2019 to prepare me for a lifestyle of more. He was stretching me (which was unpleasant ) so that I could be a greater receptor for the more. Ask God to give you a different perspective on the circumstances in your life.
4. Most of the battles faced in 2019 were won. The battles not won aren’t over but I’m convinced they will be won as well. So as I reflect on 2019, I will choose to remember the wins more than the battle.
So, I’m going into 2020 more prepared, bracing for the battle but anticipating the win. The More God Promised has come and is coming.
Join me as I begin a preemptive strike on 2020. Starting December 1, I am praying in 2020. I’m declaring what this next decade will look like. I will be praying for our nation, our families, our churches and our influence. God has said, “more” and I want to see more in every area of my life.
“So our faces are not covered. They show the bright glory of the Lord, as the Lord’s Spirit makes us more and more like our glorious Lord.”
2 Corinthians 3:18 CEV