Here we go again, another year is in the books, and what a year it was! Never would any of us have imagined that 2020 would bring so many challenges our way. Usually, an election year is tough enough but add to that the racial tensions we faced as a nation and the fear, sickness, and death caused by COVID-19, and 2020 is probably the most difficult year our nation has gone through probably since the time of WWII.
Many of us are just glad that 2020 is over and gone, but 2021 will bring its own set of storms to face and challenges to overcome. Yet as we start a new year, my heart is always filled with a sense of new opportunity. A chance to correct the wrongs and refocus, full of energy and with some set goals to achieve. That’s why we make plans and resolutions saying: “Now this is the year! The year when I will get this and that done!” If you are like most humans on the face of the planet, the year will come and go and most things will not get done. This usually brings disappointment or discouragement and a sense of failure, but today I want to share with you a Bible verse that I think God wants to speak over you:
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:18-19 ESV).
God is telling you to let go of the past and focus on what lies ahead. One thing I love about our Lord is that He gives us a second, third, and even fourth chance if we truly repent of our mistakes and want to get things right. So, I challenge you to set goals for 2021, but not just the ones about losing weight (which we all probably need) or about saving money, even though all those are very worthy goals. I encourage you to be intentional with your time.
Time is the only thing we all have been allotted a certain amount of and once it’s used, it doesn’t come back. Some say it’s our most precious commodity. Your time is so valuable that you get paid by someone else for it so that it can be used for their benefit; we call it going to work or being at my job. Your time is a gift given to you by God and many times because of the busyness of our lives, those that are the most important get only our left-over time and not the quality time that they should receive.
That’s why I would like to ask you to make some adjustments with your time (somehow, someway) so that you can dedicate it to your children. Ask God to give you these three things in 2021:
First, the wisdom you need to set your life in order with those things that are priorities.
Second, to give you boldness to speak to your boss, supervisor, or overseer so he gives you the time off that you need, whether it’s fewer hours at work or a day a week off.
Third, ask God in prayer to supply all your needs at home so that you can spend time with your kids. I believe He is powerful enough to surprise you with supernatural provision.
I can’t overemphasize the importance of your presence in the life of your kids, especially in these formative years. Remember we only have one shot at this so let’s get it right in 2021. I pray that God will guide you always, open windows of blessing over your life, and that you and your children will have your best year together until now.
