The new year is already upon us, and yet, I still feel like there was so much that was not accomplished in 2017. Seriously, I often feel that I am “behind” on everything—home life, work, homeschooling, even my prayer life!
But deep down inside, I know that this is not what the Lord wants for me this year. Nor any other year. And I’m sure He doesn’t want it for you either.
God doesn’t want us to already feel like a failure even before anything has happened. He doesn’t want us to feel that nothing has happened when, in fact, because of His goodness and faithfulness, so much has already been done.
Two wise and prayerful mom friends of mine—Ate Stef and Ate Abby—whom I consider my “mentors” and sisters in Christ, actually say that such negative thoughts are “of the devil.” They always remind me that thoughts like those are meant to create doubt and fear in our hearts, and make us lose our focus, which should be on the Lord and His never-ending mercies.
So, this year (and beyond!), I invite you to join me in prayer—that this year, we will do our best to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus alone, who will always be faithful to us:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us—and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Let us pray together for greater faith:
Father, I abandon myself into Your hands;
Do with me whatever You will.
Whatever You may do, I thank You.
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only Your will be done in me,
And in all Your creatures.
I wish no more than this, O Lord.
Into Your hands I commend my spirit;
I offer it to You, Lord,
and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into Your hands,
Without reserve and with boundless confidence,
For You are my Father.Amen. (Source.)
NEVER FAIL
By
You are loving in all Your ways
Gracious through all my days
Faithful in all You say
Jesus You never fail
Mountains bow at Your feet
Oceans part when You speak
Beauty forms when You breathe
Jesus You never fail
I believe in Your word
I believe in Your promise
I believe You’ll reveal
Your plans that I can’t yet see
You’re stronger than any storm
Sovereign above it all
Reigning forevermore
Jesus You never fail
I believe in Your word
I believe in Your promise
I believe You’ll reveal
Your plans that I can’t yet see
I believe in Your ways
I believe in Your goodness
I believe You’ll complete
The work You began in me
In trial or triumph
In sickness or strength
In end and beginning
You will never fail
In drought or abundance
In loss or in gain
In seasons of waiting
You will never fail
In trial or triumph
In sickness or strength
In end and beginning
You will never fail
In drought or abundance
In loss or in gain
In seasons of waiting
You will never fail
I believe in Your word
I believe in Your promise
I believe You’ll reveal
Your plans that I can’t yet see
I believe in Your ways
I believe in Your goodness
I believe You’ll complete
The work You began in me
I believe in Your word
I believe in Your promise
I believe You’ll reveal
Your plans that I can’t yet see
I believe in Your ways
I believe in Your goodness
I believe You’ll complete
The work You began in me
