Many people were excited for 2021. For many of us 2020 was crazy to say the least. Like many prior years we started with vision, goals, plans and the infamous New Year resolutions. Then all of a sudden the world stopped. Many plans diminished, panic struck, disaster happened and the world as we knew it had changed right before our eyes.
I remember planning my annual birthday pampering. I scheduled my massage, my Mani-Pedi appointment, and had a date planned with my husband. Then on my birthday things began to slowly shut down. The movie theatres, the restaurants, and businesses were all ordered to cease operation because of the pandemic. Travel plans had to be cancelled, people began running to the store to buy out all of the toilet paper and it was a mad dash to get supplies and necessities. To this day I still don’t understand the toilet paper urgency but let’s stay focused lol.
The reality is that the world as we knew it changed and for the first time many people had to settle on the fact that we are not in control. Now some may argue this fact; we have control over what we do, how we respond, but the ultimate outcome is not of our doing. We have control over the goals that we set and the vision that we have for our lives. If you think about it 2020 was not all bad. It was a year that forced us out of our comfort zones and forced us to adjust.
Realistically, we make plans with an expected outcome all the time. The outcome doesn’t always align with the plan. We get frustrated, angry, confused and even a little resentful at times. However, I’m here to tell you that if you didn’t learn anything else from 2020, know that you are not in control of your Destiny. Use this time to focus on your gifts, purpose and God’s will for your life.
The first day of each year and the last day of Kwanzaa is the principle of Imani (Faith). Now we have entered into 2021 and we are still in a pandemic. Everything around us is still unpredictable, and there is a new normal. So how does your faith help you navigate the uncertainty? There’s a scripture I want to share. In Hebrew 11:1-3 it reads “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible”.
I think this principle should be the foundation of how we start our new year. It’s great to have resolutions, but it is greater to have a foundation that is sustainable through whatever the New Year brings. It’s greater to have a foundation that will allow you to shift. It’s good to be committed to those things that you have spoken for your life. It is necessary to be able to shift and move when God says move. When God says be still, our faith will allow us to wait and have patience to still believe. When God says I’m wrecking all of your plans, it is your faith that will sustain you and allow you to regroup, refocus and come out stronger.
I’m excited for 2021. I feel God pushing me out of my comfort zone. I feel God saying in this season that we were doing it all wrong, and he is forcing us to reevaluate, reassess and refocus on the purpose for which he created. So those ideas, dreams and plans, keep working on them but this time put God first. Those promises that you’re waiting on believe but put God first. Those resolutions and commitments that you’re making to yourself, family and community, stick to it but consult with God first. Allow him to be your guide for the New Year.
So for 2021, regardless of what your New Year resolutions are; I encourage you to incorporate the principle of IMANI. Imani reaffirms our self-worth and the confidence that we can triumph over struggle. Allow God to show you the plans that he has for your life before you start to plan for yourself. My favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.
So whatever your fears are as you enter into a new season and New Year, remember that your Faith is greater than your fear. Regardless of where we are, God is there with you and if you seek him, you will find him and his ultimate plan will come to pass.
I hope this message blessed you. Be blessed and Happy New Year!
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