Are. You. Ready?

My, my, my.

Could it be? Is it actually the last month, of not only the year, but the decade too?

As we look forward to the New Year, and with it, a chance for a revitalized start, we can’t help but take a step back in time and reflect on all of the wonderful things God has done in 2019, and will continue to fulfill in the upcoming year.

At the start of 2019, the prophetic word that would eventually sum up the year was preparation. We saw this in many ways among the people around us and even in ourselves. New jobs, new visions, new goals, new perspectives and even new little additions to our families. 2019 was busy.

Preparation is an interesting word. In the Greek, preparation means to make ready and equip. For some, preparation meant some hard times in 2019; some questions for God, and maybe even some doubts for Him. In order for us to be properly and fully equipped, and to satisfy this definition, we must understand our surroundings and the bigger picture around us, and why preparation is so important to God. Sometimes these hard seasons in our lives allow us to adjust how we view the problem, but more importantly how we view the Solution, and how these times equip us with more understanding, more perspective, and more knowledge of the One who prepares our way. In these times, God teaches us how to pick up and use the tools He gives us to combat tough times. After all, how can we overcome a situation if we don’t know how to use the tools we are carrying? With that being said, sometimes preparation is actually painful and uncomfortable, and requires us to be stretched over thin. However, even despite the obstacles, we are pulled through, we are pulled forward, and we are ready to partner with Christ and see HIS plan come to life. The best lessons are not learned out of a book, but by experiencing them.

Whatever preparation looked like for you in 2019, whether it be excitement, or perhaps a host of challenges, or maybe a combination of both, we know that God is focused, and helps us to be the people HE has called us to be. Sometimes preparation goes beyond the tangible and into something we cannot see or feel. Preparation for a new perspective or mind set are also very valid and were valuable for this past year.

Sometimes preparation means loss. Sometimes preparation means questions. Sometimes it means, anger, fear, uncertainty, or confusion. And despite all of this, God is moving to move you.

As we look forward to the New Year and the new decade, we pray that you will continue to keep up the good fight, and stand up for the things that are true, honourable, and pure. We must be willing to pick up our cross daily and follow in the footsteps of the Fulfiller, the Giver, and the Councillor. Friends, sometimes the walk with Christ is not easy. Sometimes the walk with Christ requires change, many questions, and what sometimes feels as an invasion of peace, and even perhaps walking the Christian path alone. But, we know that Christ is steadfast and holds us in a place of freedom and life where we have victory in Him always.

As we close off the final blog post of 2019, we wish you a joyous Christmas season, and a New Year filled with continued revelation of the Father’s heart for you, and a stance that is poised and ready to team with Christ in the New Year and always.

Remember: you are braver, stronger, and bolder than you know, through Christ Jesus that lives inside you.

And so, we leave you with this Word,

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).