Can you believe we are in the home stretch of 2025? It feels like we were just making New Year’s resolutions, and now we’re already talking about Christmas and stepping into a new year (again!). As we wind things down, I truly hope these blogs have encouraged you, challenged you, and helped draw you closer to Jesus this year. With that, I’d like for you to pause and think about what God has been teaching you this year. (Seriously, think about it!)

For me, this year was a crash course in learning how to suffer well. Learning to trust God when things were uncertain, disappointing, or simply not going the way I planned. Thinking about this now, I can boldly say: I experienced God’s faithfulness. Throughout this year, the scriptures kept my faith strong when it was wavering. God’s word was my ONLY true anchor and what kept me afloat. God showed me that He might not always do things my way or answer prayers how and when I want Him to, but one thing about Him, He’ll stay true to His word and that’s exactly what He did.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” ~ Isaiah 43:2 (ESV). Keyword: “WHEN”, not “if”. We WILL encounter problems, disappointments, issues, sorrow, heartbreak etc but the Lord promises to be with us THROUGH it. We WILL overcome because He is right there with us.

“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” ~ Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV). These were Moses’ words to Joshua as he stepped into leadership. This is proof that even when God calls us to new spaces, it doesn’t mean everything will be smooth. But if God led us there, He’s already prepared the way.

If the above verses aren’t encouragement enough for us here’s what Jesus Himself said when He gave us the great commission: “…I am with you always, to the end of the age.” ~ Matthew 28:20 (ESV). ALWAYS. Not sometimes… not when we feel strong… not only when things make sense. ALWAYS. Life is full of ups and downs, mountains and valleys, disappointments and failed expectations. Instead of having to always figure things out by ourselves, I’d suggest we look to the one to knows all things, sees all things and is above all things. He alone can carry us through difficulties as along as we trust in Him. I pray you finish this year strong and get to experience not only God’s faithfulness but every other aspect of the Father. Grace and Peace 🙂