What kind of Year was 2019? While it will have been wonderful for some, I know that for others it was tough. Maybe you lost someone you love. Perhaps you faced disappointments. It could be that you prayed, fasted and believed, but did not see your breakthrough.
Proverbs 23:18 says that the expectation of the righteous shall not be cut off. That means that we get what we expect. If we anticipate blessings, we align ourselves for God’s goodness. However, if we are pessimistic, it will place limits on our lives.
If you are weighed down with disappointments from this year, it will be difficult to expect the best for 2020. God wants to do great things in your life in the year ahead. He is more committed to your breakthrough than you. So how can we get our hearts ready for crossover?
Paul the Apostle made a powerful statement in Philippians 3:13, “One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” The first step is to forget. That does not mean to deny difficulties or ignore disappointments.
The Greek word for forget means two things: 1) To no longer care and 2) To give over. Let’s look at these two meanings.
1. NO WORRIES
How can we reach the place where we are no longer concerned about the things that once hurt us? In order to forget something, we face it first.
I want to encourage you to take time to jot down the 3 or 4 burdens from 2019 that you are still carrying. Then pour out the pain before God in prayer. Tell Him how you feel and ask Him to heal.
2. GIVE OVER
Once you have faced it, you will be ready to give it over to God. Hand him every hurt and give Him every disappointment. Offload your burdens in His presence. Faith is of the heart. Once your heart is free and healed, you will be able to believe God for the year ahead.
Remember, the Bible says that we will get what we expect. Let us lift up our eyes to the Lord and believe His promises. God has great things in store for you in 2020. Forget those things that are behind you and reach forward to those things that are ahead!
Do you want to set yourself up for success in 2020? Then prioritize your heart! Come to our half day event REFRESH in London on 25 Jan, in Miami on Feb 8 and in DC on March 25 (details to follow). And read 30 Day Detox for your Soul – it will declutter your heart for the year ahead.
Thank you for this word in season.