2021 is almost over.  It felt like a really long year to me. How about you?

We moved out of state in 2020 in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. God had told us to move but it still felt like a crazy and difficult thing to do – until we got settled in and realized we are right where we needed to be when our littlest grandson came into the world. Then situations kept happening throughout this year that confirmed we were in the right place.

It been harder getting to know people in our new community because of the germ issues and exposure issues and divisive issues that abound in our culture today. This was all so much easier the last time we moved when germs and vaccines weren’t such a concern.

Now God is speaking to me about 2022. He has plans.  Call them resolutions, call them goals, call them my ‘words’ for 2022, it’s obvious that God is using these last weeks of 2021 to tell me what he wants me to focus on next year.

So God highlighted Paul’s words for me as Paul talked to Timothy in his first letter to him – “Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience..”  1 Timothy 1: 18 & 19.

Message received, God.

How do I fight the battle well 2022?  When I’m connected to God through his Word and through his people, he fights my battles with me – guiding me, encouraging me and giving me victory.

How do I hold onto the faith in 2022?  I have a hunger that growls in my soul with the desire to grow in my love for and knowledge of God.  I am confident that turning off the TV and putting down my phone so I have more time to read and study God’s Word is the right thing for me to do.  I’m adding another small group Bible study to my calendar this year.  My favorite thing about retirement – other than not having to set an alarm – is having all the time I want to spend with God.

How do I hold on to a good conscience in 2022?  When I’m in line with God, I know down to the depths of my heart and mind that I’m in the right place.  I feel God’s approval and blessing when I focus on him and what he is calling me to do.

So bring on 2022 with all its challenges and opportunities.   God is by my side.  I’m ready.

Are you ready?

Thank you, Abba Father.