The dawn of a New Year is upon us with more questions and wonderment than perhaps any year since 1999 heading into 2000. Back then it was Y2K and some wondered if computers would continue to work, if the stock market and banks would be able to function, or if the world we knew would change forever.
There may not be many things that are certain as we head into 2022, but we know that Jesus will be the same as He has always been: that is one thing we can definitely count on. Before we get to what’s ahead, let’s take some time to look back. Looking back can give us perspective as we move forward—some things only become clear in the rear-view mirror after some time has passed.
Looking Back to Move Ahead
You may want to grab a coffee or tea: whatever is your favorite and a journal as we work through these next few items. Something happens when you put pen to paper—for those who are more digitally minded, feel free to open a note or doc on your phone or computer to make your notes and jot your thoughts down. Whatever it is, I encourage you to participate fully in this exercise of looking back without fear, frustration, or formulating the right answers: take time to be completely transparent and honest with yourself.
Let’s begin with the wins.
- What are the things in your ministry that you consider wins: are there some things that you are celebrating, some areas that He showed up that you know if He hadn’t things wouldn’t have happened?
- What are some personal wins: some mountains you have climbed as a person in which you thought you’d never reach the summit? Or maybe, you’re still looking at the trail ahead, but you’re celebrating the trail behind. What are those things?
- What about family wins: are there things your family has accomplished this past year that when you began, felt hard or maybe even impossible? Looking back over the year, I personally think that since we made it through so many unknowns and uncharted waters - we should celebrate!
What about the unfinished?
- Are there things left undone that you’d prefer to have finished? It’s okay. Take a deep breath and put it on your list to get to later. Take a moment and decide if it’s important, urgent, something you want to get done but not necessarily needs to be done now, or something that really doesn’t matter but something you had hoped to get completed and decide whether it needs to go on your list for the new year or not. (Want, need, desire, dream, or void).
What about the things you tanked?
- Are there some things that were an entire flop—things you’d rather forget and pretend never happened? You may even hope everyone else will forget them too if they know about them.
- I bring this up not to shame or guilt you but to let you know—it’s okay. It’s even valuable information so take a few moments to sit with it. Own it, realize that it may be something you tanked, but it doesn’t have to define you so don’t let it.
- Have you grieved the losses that you’ve encountered? Have you owned the responsibility that is yours in the area(s) that didn’t go well? What can you learn from this experience and do differently moving forward?
Now, take a few moments and write down three lessons you’ve learned this year. These can be anything you consider of value to your leadership journey, your personal or professional growth, it may be something you want to hold on to as a value in your ministry journey.
Stopping to take the time to reflect on all that has been the year behind brings value to the year ahead. It can help set us up for a stronger and more courageous future. Don’t be afraid of any of it: embrace the good, the bad, and the ugly, of the past year and step into it.
Feel it, experience it, learn from it, then leave it in the past. Nothing can be changed except you. Learning from all of it is what this experience is about and with much confidence, leave those things that aren’t life-giving and encouraging in the past rather than dragging them into the future with you.
Stepping into the Fullness of the Future
Think of this experience as you do when upgrading your cell phone: there are things you want to bring with you and things you’d rather leave out. Let them go, because believe it or not, you get to choose what to and what not to bring with you. Stepping into the new year is exciting and awe-inspiring if you let it be. There’s a whole new year ahead, without any mistakes and with all the possibilities in the world to encounter and experience.
Now, let’s take some time in prayer and listening to hear what God has to say about you and ‘22.
- Start with prayer: thank Him for what has been: the good, bad, and ugly and ask God to reveal to you His mission and how He wants you to partner with Him in the upcoming year. Continue to pray until you sense an answer. This may take some time and patience to discover, it may not happen right in the moment as we’d all like it to but allow Him to speak.
- What is God calling you to in the upcoming year?
- Are there any changes or shifts you need to make to move ahead in a healthy and courageous way?
- If you’re unsure, will you continue seeking Him? If you’re sure will you continue seeking Him for direction and guidance?
Soak in the Word for the Journey
Throughout Scripture I am amazed at how God’s word continues to speak to us today, if we will listen. As you prepare for the New Year and what God has for you, take time to review these words that God has to share with you from His Word -
You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
Psalm 139:1-14 NIV
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
“...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on
to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:6 NIV
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
He died for us so that,
whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,
just as in fact you are doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 NIV
Look to the Future
There are many more Scriptures that will encourage you on your journey, these that I have shared are just a few. What are some Scriptures that you claim over your ministry as a woman pastor or leader? We'd love to hear from you. Whatever they are, we need to stop and soak in them, to listen for His still small voice, and to sense His power and presence surrounding and comforting us. God has good plans for your life and has called you to fulfill your calling. He will equip and empower you to do far more than you can begin to imagine.
Whatever the past year has left you feeling: whether joyful, frustrated, excited, apprehensive, or any other emotion, leave it there and focus on turning the page, with confidence in
whose
you are and the plans He has for you. 2022 is a brand new year, full of possibilities and wonder because "all things are possible with God." God’s mission is still on track whatever 2021 looked like. Won’t you jump in the deep end with both feet and follow Him on His glorious journey? Turn the page and start writing a new chapter with Him today.
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