Happy New Year! Thanks be unto God for His Great Grace. We have crossed over into 2023. If I may ask, what does that mean to you? For some, you are excited to set new year resolutions, for others you continue traditions such as cooking collards and black-eyed peas. Regardless of your old or new traditions, I hope you take time to hear what God wants to share with you specifically this new year! His message to you is personal and pertinent.
Maybe the Lord is expanding you this year. Maybe He is challenging you to walk on water. I do feel 2023 will be different regarding your level of faith and commitment regarding your goals and ambitions. The shifting in this New Year is one that will take maturity and intimacy with God. As you are making your goals, vision boards, and affirmation statements, don’t forget that spending time with God daily must be etched into your heart, mind, and daily living.
I heard a sermon from Bishop Jakes not long ago entitled, “Timing is Everything.” Do you believe that? It says is Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens; a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plan and a time to uproot.” If you read down to verse 11, you will see one of my favorite scriptures that says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
I do believe for me that in 2023 timing is everything! I also believe that in this year God is strategically bringing all things together beautifully. Regardless of the season, there is beauty. Regardless of the season, God’s creating a masterpiece. I am personally wired to go after my goals and ambitions. You will not find me sitting in a corner twirling my hair, hoping that an opportunity will come to me. I am relentless when it comes to determination. However, even though I possess admirable skills, talents, and behaviors, on the flip side I can also become impatient, and frustrated when things don’t happen on my watch. In this New Year, I must trust and celebrate the strategy and timing of God. That means no matter what is looks like, or what I think it should look like, gratitude will be my foundation.
It is also important for me to have a thematic scripture verse as it relates to what God is doing in my life each year. I will hold fast to Ecclesiastes 3:11 that states once again, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” What is your thematic scripture for the year? Once you have it, hold fast to it. Commit it to memory. Let it be nourishment, energy, and strength for your mind, body and spirit. Incorporate it as part of your prayer life and post it in your prayer closet. Trust me, whatever God is speaking to you specifically regarding this New Year, it is a serious matter.
Remember, timing is everything. There is a reason God would have you to read this message. Don’t let go until He reveals the details. In addition to your thematic scripture for this New Year, you also want to keep a “Brag Book!” close by. Listen, the Lord inhabits our praises of His people. Don’t hold back bragging on God, get ready to write details and testimonies on His goodness and faithfulness towards you. Capture ALL God moments, as He brings them into fruition for you in this New Year!
I don’t know about you, but I am excited! Don’t cross your arms, pout your lips, or complain because you are still stuck on something from 2022. Listen, 2022 is over. What is God saying to you today in 2023? Hold fast to the scripture He gives you. Get your brag book ready and let’s make history this year!
Happy New Year!
Min. Carenda Deonne Beamon
Speaker/Author/TV Personality/Stress Management Life Coach
