As we bid farewell to another year and look forward to 2026 and a new chapter in our life, it’s natural to pause and reflect on the defining moments that have shaped our faith and our lives. Each of us carries a unique journey—one marked by triumphs, challenges, new decisions and sometimes, the bittersweet experience of grief. Yet, in the midst of loss, hope remains steadfast for those who walk daily with the Lord. Our faith anchors us, reminding us that joy and grief can coexist when we have a saving relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Life often presents us with crossroads—moments where our free will allows us to choose trust over fear, peace over anxiety, and vision over uncertainty. These choices, though sometimes difficult, are opportunities to deepen our dependence on the Lord. When the storms of life rage, we remember that true peace comes not from our circumstances, but from abiding in Christ. Through Him, we can experience joy that transcends sorrow, and hope that looks beyond the present moment into eternity.
Our daily walk with the Lord is a journey of intentionality. It is in spending time with Him—through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word—that our vision becomes clear and our hearts are refreshed. These practices help us fix our eyes on the ultimate goal: to one day hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” as we enter heaven. This is not earned by our works, but is the fruit of a saving relationship with God through Jesus that transforms us from the inside out.
As we reflect on the past year, let us acknowledge both the hardships we have faced and the blessings we have received. Grief may have visited us, but so has the sustaining joy of knowing Jesus. Looking to 2026, may we walk forward with renewed faith, embracing each day with peace, joy, and hope—regardless of our circumstances. May our vision be set on things eternal, and our lives be a testimony to the grace and love of God. In doing so, we live with purpose, ready to one day receive the greatest affirmation from our Lord in eternity.
Have you experiencing some grief in the past year?
New Year and Life in all its fullness!
Facing a new year as the year draws to a close, we all have unique experiences to reflect on…the tiny steps of faith or maybe even some dramatic leaps of faith and adventure!
Trusting in the Lord!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 English Standard Version (ESV)
The Best is Yet to Come!
“Are the best days of your life in front of you? Our outlook on life-and our answer to that question-can change with time. When we’re younger, we look ahead. Once we’ve grown older, we yearn for the past. But when we walk with God, whatever our age, the best is yet to come!”
From Stand Strong. 365 Devotions For Men By Men. Our Daily Bread. January 3rd. James Banks
Reflecting on the past year.
Facing a new year as the year draws to a close, we all have unique experiences to reflect on…the tiny steps of faith or maybe even some dramatic leaps of faith and adventure!
Walking in Faith
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105 KJV
Following God’s footsteps will always be a walk of faith. God reveals the pathway that He has for your life, one step at a time.
The light that He shines upon your pathway is like a lantern that reveals what is at your feet, not what is five miles down the path.
God has not made your journey of faith complicated. His footsteps do not go in ten different directions. When God shows you your next step, don’t erase it, avoid it, pretend you didn’t see it, or look for an alternative route. What are you to do today? Simply take the next the step of obedience.His Footsteps My Pathway. Roy Lessin. Daily devotion for Dec. 29. Walk in Faith.
Walking in Faith Gives us Peace
Following the LORD’S footsteps keeps you from stumbling about or walking in confusion. As you face a new year, your steps are guided by the One who goes before you and prepares the way. He leads you gently like a shepherd leads his sheep. He sets the perfect pace for you. He knows when it is time to move ahead and when it is time to rest.
As He leads you, He straightens the crooked places and makes the rough places smooth. You can begin each day by committing it to Him. Knowing that He will lead you in the paths of peace and direct your steps into what is good and right. As you walk in His ways and follow His footsteps, you will not live a life of regrets.His Footsteps My Pathway by Roy Lessin December 30
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.
As we begin a new year, there are always new opportunities, challenges and decisions to make in our Family, church, ministry, housing, retirement, job, business, investments, volunteering, education, healthcare, adoption, and any other decisions we are contemplating.
Starting the new year without new year resolutions that we soon forget. There is a better way!
Are we making our own decisions or is someone else orchestrating our lives?
Providence and Circumstances
As Oswald Chambers states : “The circumstances of a man’s life are ordained by God. In the life of a saint there is no chance. God by His providence brings you into circumstances that you cannot understand at all, but the Spirit of God understands. God brings you to places, among people, and into certain conditions to accomplish a definite purpose through the intercession of the Spirit in you.”
Theologian Dr. R.C. Sproul. “God’s sovereign providence stands over and above our actions. He works out His will through the actions of human wills, without violating the freedom of those human wills.”
Decision Making in the New Year.
Planning, Planning, Planning
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’S purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21
But don’t get hung up on planning…the LORD can intervene at any moment and you can change direction! Keep your ears open!
“You already know the ultimate destination of your journey: your entrance into heaven. So keep your focus on the path just before you, leaving outcomes up to Me” Nov 19th Devotion from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.
“Along with daily decisions, there are defining decisions. We only make a few defining decisions in life, and then we spend the rest of our lives managing them.” Mark Batterson. The Circle Maker. Something to pray about!
Defining moments in my life.
A few months ago. I started making a list of some major decisions or “defining Moments” in my life. Things I did that in hindsight had a major influence on my life. I came up with over 50 “defining moments” that had a major influence on my life. I don’t think or remember any prolonged or agonizing times in my life when I experienced these moments or turning points. Most of them were after I turned my life over to the LORD, although there were a few “defining moments” before this. I believe even then, the LORD was leading or guiding me. It’s easy to look back and see how the Lord has worked in our lives! And then those Defining Moments!
What is a Defining Moment?
A defining moment in your life is an occasion where your life’s path has undeniably changed.
It could be something that changes within yourself. Maybe you experience and injury or illness that changes your perspective in life.
It could be an external factor like a career or relationship change.
A few added thoughts: “Destiny is not a mystery. For better or worse, your destiny is the result of your daily decisions and defining decisions.” Mark Batterson. The Circle Maker.
“Along with daily decisions, there are defining decisions. We only make a few defining decisions in life, and then we spend the rest of our lives managing them.” Mark Batterson. The Circle Maker.
Something to pray about!
But a defining moment is one of those times that you know you’ll look back on and say “If it weren’t for that, things would be different.”
What major decisions have you made in the past?
Go back to your high school years and progress up to the present.
Make a list of significant events.
I started by making a list of the major volunteer organizations I am or had been a part of going back to high school. Even before I became a believer in the LORD.
They are clues as to the direction of your life based on the major and even minor decisions or defining moments of your life
If we are Christians and believe in a God who guides us..and that His provision has brought us to this point, we should ask Him to open the doors He wants us to walk through and to give us wisdom in how to proceed. Also, an open door does not necessarily mean God opened it. Food for further thought!
“You already know the ultimate destination of your journey: your entrance into heaven. So keep your focus on the path just before you, leaving outcomes up to Me” Nov 19th Devotion from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.
We often hear the words, luck, fate, and providence.
Theologian Dr. R.C. Sproul. “God’s sovereign providence stands over and above our actions. He works out His will through the actions of human wills, without violating the freedom of those human wills.”
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 English Standard Version (ESV)
Prayer, Prayer, Prayer!
“Prayer is always life’s greatest time saver. You may be facing a great change or decision that seems overwhelming to you. The LORD knows exactly what you need, and He will always answer your prayers as is absolutely best for you. Therefore, spend time listening to Him, receiving His wisdom and direction, and drinking in His presence and power. Be quiet before Him, rest in Him, and allow Him to order your steps. He will keep you from moving in the wrong direction or wasting time doing useless things.” Charles E. Stanley. Life Principle 27.
Pray, Plan and Prioritize…
Dr. Ben Carson and his book: TAKE THE RISK: Learning to Identify, Choose, and Live with Acceptable Risk. proposed four questions o help us evaluate our decisions in regard to risk. Purely from a secular viewpoint, although Dr. Carson does talk about how God works in our lives if we let him.
Remember to keep praying!
