Welcome to the new year! How do you feel about transitioning from one year to the next? Does it bring you excitement? Regret? Curiosity? It brings me to deep thought as it’s a moment to reflect on the past while embracing new adventures that await us. For most of us, the past is filled with highs and lows. With the highs, we might not desire change because who wants to leave mountaintop experiences? Other times we can’t wait for the season to end because we’ve been plowing in the valley. We’ve been fighting against obstacles that require loads of energy, and our supply is running out. It’s hard work and we’re ready for new beginnings.
For me, the year 2024 had both ups and downs. I’ve grown more than I have in years, yet I’ve had setbacks in areas I thought I’d mastered years ago. I have experienced victories in my life but have come against more spiritual warfare than ever before. Circumstances have been close to pulling me under but because of God’s faithfulness, I’ve remained afloat. The truth is — whatever happens, the best plan for my life does not change. Plan A is always to cling to Jesus. And Plan A is for you too. Hold on to Him when times are good AND when they’re not so good. No matter what season of life we’re in, it serves us well to stick with Plan A, Jesus.
There is peace in knowing that God sees us as we truly are, and He has written our life story long ago. You saw who you created me to be before I became me! Before I’d ever seen the light of day, the number of days you planned for me was already recorded in your book. Psalm 139:16 TPT
This encourages us to keep moving forward into an unknown future because He knows our beginning from our end. He is the God of our future, our past, and our present. You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness, you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. You have laid your hand on me! Psalm 139:5 TPT
As we face a new year, let’s hope and pray that 2025 is going to be our best year yet. Know there will be hills and valleys. There will be new waters to navigate and more battles to fight, but God has us. He is the Author of our destiny, and He’s walking with us. The new chapter in our book of life is starting, and no matter what we face, Plan A is always ‘cling to Jesus.’
Blessings on your creative journey. I’m excited to see what God has for you in 2025!
Chaplain Jim
Turning the Page by Jim Chapin
Chaplain, Speaker, and Devotions Leader for The Well Conference
