Stepping Into the New Year … Closing Doors, Trusting God Forward
- satiseroddyonline
- Jan 2
- 4 min read
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:18–19
This moment carries holy significance as we stand between what has been and what God is about to do. It is a moment where reflection meets faith, where we honor what God has carried us through while preparing our hearts for what He is about to do.
As I pray, reflect, and ponder, I realize this is more than a change in dates; it is an invitation, a "divine invitation" for us to move forward with both purpose and expectation.
Now that the year has closed and we have crossed over into the new, we intentionally shut some doors, without hesitation, but in obedience and trust. Some seasons refined us, some lessons stretched us, and some chapters have reached their God-appointed end.
Many of us experienced unexpected challenges and unwanted circumstances this past year. There were situations we didn’t plan for and moments we would not have chosen. Some seasons required more strength, faith, and perseverance than we anticipated. Yet by God’s grace, we overcame. Not because it was easy, but because God was faithful.
Through each obstacle, His grace sustained us. In every uncertain moment, His presence remained. And through every test, the Holy Spirit strengthened us to keep moving forward.
To anyone who is reading this, allow me to encourage you: I believe you didn’t merely endure this past year; I believe you finished strong.
I praise God, because He alone carried us all, His grace covered us, and His promises never failed. To Him be the glory.
Now a new year stands before us, open and full of possibility.
Many years ago, I chose not to focus on New Year’s resolutions; instead, my prayer has been to always discern and follow Spirit-led goals.
May we desire Spirit-led goals; goals birthed in prayer, shaped by obedience, and aligned with the will of God and His direction. Goals that flow from listening before moving and trusting before striving, allowing the Holy Spirit to set the pace and define the path. As Scripture reminds us, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” Proverbs 16:9
Let us not step into this year burdened by what may have possibly gone wrong or defined by what did not unfold as we expected. Instead, let us move forward with faith, clarity, and confidence in God’s leading, embracing where we are while trusting where He is taking us. Let us be reminded to embrace where we are on the way to where we are going.
This is a season to walk fully in obedience, to trust God’s timing, and to say yes to the work He is unfolding before us. It will not always be easy, but it will be purposeful, and it will be worth it.
So, the question before us is this: Are we ready?
Ready to do the things God has called us to do.
Prepared to walk boldly in purpose.
Ready to move forward in faith.
Ready to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, one step at a time. The door behind us is closed. The door ahead of us is open.
So, let’s do this in the name of Jesus.
Be strong, surrendered, and fully confident, knowing that God goes before us and makes the way.
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for Your faithfulness throughout this past year. Thank You for sustaining us through unexpected challenges and unwanted circumstances. Thank You that by Your grace, we overcame. As we step into this new season, align our hearts with Your will. Lead us by Your Spirit in every decision, every goal, and every step. Give us wisdom, courage, and discernment to walk in obedience and faith. Strengthen us for every assignment You have prepared, and help us move forward, not striving, but trusting. We declare that we are finishing strong and going in strong, anchored in hope, led by Your Spirit, and ready for the new thing You are doing among us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you do not know Jesus, or if you feel far from Him, this is your moment. Jesus taught that to enter the Kingdom of God, we must be born again, made new through faith in Him. If you’re unsure what that means or have never made that decision, I encourage you to connect with a mature believer who can walk with you into this life-changing step, into baptism, and into new life in Jesus Christ.
Get planted. Find a Bible-teaching, Holy Spirit-filled church family that will pray for you, love you, disciple you, and walk alongside you. Pursue Jesus with your whole heart, and watch Him transform your life.
Pastor Satise Roddy
Come Expecting … Leave Transformed
Satise Roddy Ministries