As we step into 2025, we’re reminded that God is always doing something new in our lives. The key message from Isaiah 43:18 – ‘Behold, I am doing a new thing’ – isn’t just for major life changes, but for every single day. This year, we’re challenged to maintain a posture of living in the ‘new’ continuously, not just on January 1st. It’s about tuning our ears to God’s voice amidst the noise of the world, seeking His revelation rather than mere information. We’re encouraged to wait on Him with expectation, understanding that waiting isn’t passive, but an active state of being entwined with God. This year calls us to live in the tension of life’s complexities, holding things lightly while pursuing our goals with passion. As we set our sights on new horizons, let’s remember that God’s grace is sufficient, allowing us to progress in faith from a place of rest.
Embracing a Year of Grace, Growth, and New Horizons
As we step into 2025, there’s a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. This year holds the promise of new beginnings, fresh perspectives, and unprecedented growth. It’s a time to reflect on the lessons of the past and look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead.
The number 5 in 2025 symbolizes grace, and what better way to start the year than by embracing this divine gift? Grace is not just a concept; it’s a powerful force that can transform our lives. It’s an endless supply of strength and capacity that we can draw upon in every situation. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of this new year, let’s remember to walk in this grace, allowing it to lighten our load and brighten our path.
Looking back at 2024, many of us learned valuable lessons about hearing God’s voice amidst the noise of the world. In an age of information overload, with AI and technology advancing at breakneck speed, it’s crucial to distinguish between mere information and divine revelation. God’s word is not just information to be consumed; it’s a living, breathing revelation that speaks directly to our hearts.
This past year taught us to tune our ears to God’s whisper, not just in the quiet moments of personal devotion but in the midst of our busy lives. It’s about finding God’s voice in the cacophony of the world, recognizing His hand at work even when circumstances seem challenging. This skill of discernment is something we must carry forward into 2025 and beyond.
One of the profound lessons many have learned is the art of living in tension. Life rarely presents itself in black and white; more often, we find ourselves navigating the gray areas. Joy and sorrow, ease and difficulty, can coexist in our lives. The key is learning to hold these tensions lightly, trusting in God’s sovereignty even when we can’t see the full picture.
As we set our goals and dreams for 2025, it’s important to approach them with a light touch. Take your aspirations seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously. This balance allows for flexibility and openness to God’s leading, even if it differs from our initial plans.
The apostle Paul’s words ring true as we enter this new year: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). This attitude of pressing on, of keeping our eyes fixed on the ultimate prize, is crucial as we navigate the ups and downs of life.
2025 is shaping up to be a year of action and forward movement in the Kingdom of God. After a period of preparation and relational building, there’s a sense that it’s time to take ground, to expand, and to see long-held dreams come to fruition. This shift may require intentional focus and recalibration of our priorities.
An apt analogy for this season comes from the world of cycling. In a race, cyclists often “draft” behind others, conserving energy. But there comes a moment when a rider must “jump” to a faster group ahead. This requires gearing down, expending extra effort, and pushing through momentary discomfort. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, we may be called to make a leap of faith this year, moving beyond our comfort zones to align ourselves with God’s higher purposes.
It’s crucial to remember that God is always doing something new, as Isaiah 43:19 reminds us: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” This newness isn’t limited to major life changes; it’s present in the everyday moments of our lives. Our challenge is to maintain a posture of expectancy, always looking for the fresh work of God in our relationships, careers, and personal growth.
As we approach this new year, let’s commit to not becoming familiar with the amazing moments God provides. Each new beginning, each vision cast, each opportunity to grow is a gift. Let’s partner with God’s vision for our lives, asking, “What role will I play in this story?”
This year, we’re invited to explore new horizons in our faith, our families, and our future. It’s a time to set our sights on what God is calling us towards, even if it seems beyond our current capabilities. Remember, we progress in faith from a posture of rest. Whether you feel fully prepared or are still figuring things out, God is calling us to give Him everything and watch as He moves us forward into spaces we’ve never imagined.
As we prepare for the year ahead, it’s vital to take personal time with God. He is a Father who cares deeply for each of His children and has something uniquely personal for each of us. Take moments to sit quietly, reflecting on what God is saying to your heart. Ask yourself:
- What am I feeling as I enter this new year?
- What am I excited about?
- What am I looking forward to?
- What is God stirring in my heart?
These moments of reflection prepare the soil of our hearts for what’s to come. They allow us to align our hearts with God’s purposes and enter the year with intention and expectation.
As we embark on this journey into 2025, let’s begin with the end in mind. What legacy do we want to leave? What impact do we want to make? How can we align our daily choices with our ultimate goals? By keeping our eyes fixed on the prize and our ears tuned to God’s voice, we can navigate this year with purpose, grace, and an unwavering commitment to growth.
May 2025 be a year of unprecedented spiritual growth, deeper connections, and bold steps of faith. Let’s embrace the new horizons God is opening before us, trusting in His guidance and grace every step of the way. The adventure awaits – are you ready to come alive?
Discussion Questions
- How can we cultivate the practice of ‘hearing Him’ in a world filled with information overload and distractions?
- What does it mean to you personally to ‘live in tension’ as Tess described, and how can this perspective enhance your spiritual growth?
- How might the concept of ‘drafting’ in cycling apply to your spiritual journey and relationships within the church community?
- In what ways can we maintain a posture of living in the ‘new’ daily, as opposed to only at the start of a new year?
- How can we balance setting ambitious goals for spiritual growth while also ‘holding things lightly’ and not taking ourselves too seriously?
- What does it mean to you to ‘come alive’ in your faith this year, and what steps can you take to pursue this?
- How can we discern God’s ‘revelatory word’ amidst the noise of worldly information and popular opinions?
- In what areas of your life do you feel God calling you to ‘gear down and jump’ to a new level of faith or service?
- How can we cultivate a mindset of expectancy for God to do new things in our lives every day, not just at significant milestones?
- What does it mean to you to ‘progress in faith in a posture of rest’, and how might this change your approach to spiritual growth?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we step into 2025, we thank You for the promise of new beginnings and the assurance that You are always doing something fresh in our lives. Help us to release the past and embrace the “new thing” You are doing each day. Teach us to tune our ears to Your voice amidst the noise, seeking revelation over information. May we live with a posture of expectation, waiting on You actively and entwined with Your will. As we navigate the complexities of life, grant us the grace to hold things lightly while pursuing Your purposes passionately. Let Your sufficient grace guide us, allowing us to progress in faith from a place of rest. We trust in Your provision and look forward to the horizons You are leading us toward. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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