Embracing the Best December Yet: A Journey of Faith

While sitting on my squeaky office chair (with every little move I make) and admiring my freshly renovated office, and by renovated, I mean dusted, swept, relocated bookcase, desk, and printer desk on top of clearing and tossing unwanted items. I am enjoying not sharing an office with my husband temporarily. I love you, Esposo, aka husband, but this feels nice. I don’t mind sharing again, but this feels good (as I smile a huge teeth-less smile). Ok, back to the Holy Spirit leading me to put my feelings into words for others to read.

So I admire my cork board, which I’ve semi-updated as well to focus on the God-given ideas and business, and I peek at my calendar and I look at how there are only 8 days left of this year. Wow, I humbly think. All of a sudden, I’m reminded how I declared that this would be the best December ever, and although my version of what I thought would happen might not be what God had in mind for me, I feel at peace. At that moment, God said it isn’t about what you receive that makes it the best but what you’ve learned and the blessings you use to take for granted that make it the best December yet. So, this is the Best December and the Best year yet.

You might ask ok, Brenda, spare me the fluff. Why is it the best? What happened that is so great? Ha! Well, I’m glad it crossed your mind.

It all started with a Biblical Fast that God led me to embark on in January 2024. And from there, I’ve never been the same. The prayers I asked God for came to pass minus 2, which I see in the works, but of course, only He knows why he hasn’t allowed them to happen fully. I was hoping for a Saul-type road to Damascus change (If you are not familiar with this story, go read Acts Chapter 9 in the Bible), but He knows which way is best, and my job is to obey what I was told and let him do the rest. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33 NKJV.

I came out that fast, pregnant, not with a child but with a calling bigger than I could actually understand. God himself gave me words and confirmation, confirming so much that would begin to unfold. I started to experience a lot of direct physical attacks, contractions, discomfort, and birthing pains, preparing me for what God has ordained for my life. Those looked like setbacks backs, which were actually pushing me towards another level of combat: unplanned hospital emergency runs, financial discomfort, the pain that comes with premature changes, and the limitless amounts of crying out and surrendering before my Heavenly Father for direction just for the current day.

Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com

If 2024 was a year that seemed like all you did was fight and dodge attacks, let me tell you that you, my fellow brother or sister, went through an uncalled-for pregnancy because of where God is trying to take you. Hold on to Faith and Obedience as we embark on the upcoming new year. What did you learn in 2024?
What mistakes will stay in 2024?
What baggage must stay in 2024?
Was it a loved one, a friend, a toxic habit, procrastination, doubt, fear, discipline, pain, hurt, or un-forgiveness?
What will hinder your progress?
Make a conscious decision not to let that baggage weigh you down.

Enter 2025 with five smooth stones, and remember that it is all you will need. The five stones will be:

–God: daily devotion and time in his presence praying and reading the Bible. Understanding salvation. Mark 1:35.
–Fasting: Pray to God for direction on fasting at least once a month and the fast he would like you to go on. Matthew 6:17.
–Deliverance: as we spend time with God, he begins to show us what must come off, and going through proper Deliverance for healing is crucial. Luke 13:12-13.
–Obedience: Surrender to your calling and accept what you were created for. 1 Samuel 15:22.
–Freedom: Walk in the authority given to you through Christ Jesus. Know your identity. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2

“Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.”
1 Samuel 17:40 NIV.

Do not put your stones down. If you do, you will be given the enemy an upper hand during battle. The war does not stop until we go home to be with the Lord, so continue to fight the good fight of faith.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 5:8-11 NIV.

To you, my fellow reader on the other side of this screen, thank you for reading, and I pray this message blesses you and encourages you to continue seeking God and trusting Him with your life. Let’s lift our heads entering another year, knowing we are not our past, and we can trust that Jesus loves us no matter what. Heavenly Father, touch my fellow brothers or sisters reading these lines, guide them down the path you have ordained, and keep them protected from anything coming against their destiny. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.