Reflecting on a Year of Sacrifice and Faith

As 2025 draws to a close, I'd like to share my chosen phrase and action step for the year. I stopped making New Year's resolutions at the start of 2024 and opted for something simpler to build character. Two years ago, I focused on 'being intentional,' and by the end, I could reflect on being intentional with relationships and decisions. This year, my focus was on 'being sacrificial.' The phrase that has guided me through 2025 is “God’s got you.” This year has brought many challenges that tested my need to sacrifice. Injuries forced me to rest instead of overdoing it at the gym. Job interviews fell through, teaching me to let go of fear about the future. I sacrificed the comfort of living in an apartment to pay off my car, which resulted in a longer commute to work.

Lessons from Sacrifice

Those extra rest days from the gym allowed me to start this blog and focus on my ambitions. The injuries taught me to recover and heal rather than push through the pain. Now, my fitness goals are achieved, and I'm less addicted to busyness. This has opened up time for hobbies and other goals. The failed interviews showed me I was applying out of fear rather than trusting God as I have in the past. Staying put taught me gratitude for my job and patience to see what unfolds. Giving up my own space has paved the way for homeownership without worrying about a down payment. It has given me time to consider where I want to settle down. The long drives to work have created opportunities for deep conversations with God, strengthening that relationship. Now, I speak differently to God, and more people come to mind for prayer, and I've seen those prayers answered!

Reflecting on what was to focus on what to become is only the beginning.

Embracing Faith and Trust

I may have unintentionally manifested the events of the past two years, but they have taught me valuable lessons. Being intentional and sacrificial are just the beginning for me. What will be the beginning for you? Be prayerful, trusting, kind? Ask God to give you a phrase and help you choose your action steps. If you love God, He will lead the way, especially when we submit our plans to His blueprint. Even if that blueprint begins as a simple saying or common verb at the start of the year, in moments of doubt, we must believe He’s got us.

All we can do is lay our desires at His feet to fulfill His kingdom, pray for things to work out according to His good and perfect will, and ask for the faith, trust, and strength we need to walk alongside Him. He is the lamp unto our feet and the light unto our path, but we still need to step out in faith. He leads, He’s in the driver’s seat, and it wouldn’t work otherwise. He truly answers prayers, though the answers may not be what we expect! I love being part of it in small ways, and His surprising answers make me love Him more.

Moments of Divine Connection

My mom told me that prayers for grandma's healing were answered to the point where she could get up and dress herself despite previous difficulties! I had an instance where I missed my exit with 8 minutes left in my drive, extending it to 24 minutes. I was frustrated because I struggle with traffic, but I heard, “take the scenic route, be thoughtful, and make it meaningful.” So, I switched my playlist to Christian worship and opened my heart to His voice. A song called “Safe” (the acoustic version by Hillside recording and Diana Trout) played, and it says, “Here in Your presence I am safe. Nothing can rise against me. You will protect me and defend me here in the shadow of your wings, how can it be that You’re for me,” and I was moved to tears. There's nothing like tears of gratitude and joy before grocery shopping, but He gave me a moment, and it was precious.

Finding Signs of Hope

Seriously, look for those small signs God leaves throughout your life, especially at the year's end. I’ll keep praying you stay Spirit-led in the meantime. I believe most people have a good head on their shoulders, and God will bless you, but on His timeline and conditions. You’ll find the answers eventually. Life can change and take us anywhere! I’m right there with you, but in my eyes, this is just the beginning! I don’t know what’s next, but I know He’ll lead me where He needs me! Here we are, with our individual yet intertwined lives at the end of 2025, still able to connect on another level with intentionality, and I believe that has a purpose, even if it’s just to uplift each other. I feel content with where I am, and only God knows where I’ll go. All we know is He’s ironic, funny, and trustworthy. PS, it’s totally okay if you cry too, especially when God does something big for you, and that’s incredible! I understand how overwhelming it can feel. The best part is, HE WILL NEVER LET YOU GO! Scripture tells us “No one thing can pluck you from MY Hand.” Remember, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!