Now to Him Who Is Able to Keep Us Faithful

I had another blog post to write as we settle into the new year, but this one weighs heavier on my heart.

For many of us, the year hasn’t felt new. The residue from last year has spilled into this year, making it difficult to look at 2025 with the joy that others might expect from us at the start of a new year.

For many, we are still trying to process 2024, and there is little space in our minds and hearts to embrace or key into the prophecies for the year ahead. We’ve heard people say, “This year is different,” but the fabric of this year resembles that of last year. This is a very real place to be.

As I prepared last year for 2025, one thing became clear: this year will require my faithfulness and trust like no other. I received confirmation of this in the form of a dream. I saw a woman of God whom I deeply respect and follow from afar. We were returning from an assignment or journey, and I was seated in the backseat with her, preparing to get out of the car. I said something like, “I’m glad I get to rest now,” and she responded, “But remember to be faithful to the Lord.”

That dream lingered in my heart, and in the days that followed, I began to reflect on what it means to be faithful. I didn’t have to look too far, because the weeks after demanded a level of faithfulness I didn’t know how to give in my own strength. I have learned that if any of us is to be found faithful, it will not be by our own efforts. If it were based on our efforts, none of us would have made it past day one of our journey with the Lord.

In December, I was watching an ordination service, and the pastor said this: “Faithful men are not perfect men, but willing men.” Willing to do God’s work, but also willing for God to do a work in us.

It is only by the power of the Spirit that someone who has been acquainted with discouragement can become a source of encouragement to others. It is only by the power of the Spirit that someone who was called a ‘scaredy cat’ throughout their childhood can stand brave as a lion. It is only by the power of the Spirit that someone who has been weighed down by trials can lay aside the burdens and run.

It is only by the power of the Spirit that we can look past the gloomy clouds that seemed to accompany us into the year and declare that our paths shine brighter and brighter. It is only by the power of the Spirit that someone tempted to fall back into old patterns can remain steadfast.

Faithfulness will require something of you, something that seems impossible to give. It will cost you something. Read through Hebrews 11 to see what I mean. But you will gain the most important and everlasting reward: God Himself.

And if you had a difficult 2024 and are having a difficult 2025, I am praying for you. May joy no longer be foreign, may peace be a resident of your heart, and may the Lord be your strength and song.

Now to Him:

who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20),

who is able to keep us from stumbling (Jude 24),

who is able to make us strong (Romans 16:25),

and who is able to keep us faithful.

To the only wise God, our Saviour, be glory, majesty, power, and authority through Jesus Christ in 2025 and forevermore. Amen.