2018

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." - 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT) 

As the year is coming to a close and the new year is quickly approaching, the scripture above has resonated with me deeply. I firmly believe in 2018 no one has ever seen, has ever heard, and could ever imagine what God has in store for you. Everything you do in 2018 will reflect this verse. People will be so amazed by the opportunities, ideas and breakthroughs that God will bless you with. They will keep asking you how and the only response you will have is who, and that's God. God is always prepared to do more in our lives than we could possibly do for ourselves. However, in order to fully receive these blessings we need to practice the act of surrender.

We need to surrender our plans, our careers, our futures and our lives to God so we can give Him room to do extraordinary things. We live in a society that conditions us to take control over everything but in 2018 I pray that we will mirror God's idea of a fruitful life, which is having faith in Him and allowing Him to move in our lives as He sees fit. Surrendering to God is a bold act of faith. It shows that we acknowledge that He is ultimately in control of all things and we believe in His plan for our lives. Surrendering to God helps us let go of whatever has been holding us back from living our best life in Christ. 

What does surrendering to God really mean? It means we set aside our own plans and fervently seek His. I know God has called me to be a great leader and sometimes I put unnecessary pressure on myself to achieve this vision He has for me. At times, I find myself trying to navigate life on my own, trying to get what I want out of the opportunities God has blessed me with and ultimately trying to be the master of my own destiny. This has left me feeling  drained, burnt out, stressed and anxious, and that is not of God (see 2 Timothy 1:7). God promises us 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." Rely on that and remember if God has appointed you, He will anoint you, If He has assigned you, He will equip you. When you surrender, He will give you everything you need to fulfill His divine purpose for your life.  

God's ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9) and He will exceed our expectations (Ephesians 3:20-21) but only if we let Him. That new business venture? Give it to God. That idea that has been keeping you up at night? Give it to God. That degree? Give it to God. That relationship? Give it to God. Give everything in your life to God and watch Him take it to places you didn't even know existed. If you want God to do the impossible through you, you need to ask Him to give you the power to let go and let God. Because the more you let go, the more Christ will be exalted in your life and the more you will see 1 Corinthians 2:9 manifest in everything you do. 

Prayer: 

Father, I thank you for everything you've done in my life this year. I thank you for all the struggles, the hardships, the breakthroughs and the victories. I thank you for taking me to new levels and reminding me of your goodness and faithfulness through it all. As I'm stepping into 2018, I step in with bold confidence and firm assurance in the plans you have for me. I surrender every worry and anxiety into your hands. I believe that you will do things in my life that eyes have not seen, ears have not heard, and no mind has ever imagined. This will be my testimony for 2018. I receive it in Jesus's name, amen! 

Stay Blessed,

God's Vessel