Romans 8:26-27

“26. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

This time of the year is perfect for reflection. Considering the successes and failures of the present year, before heading into the new year.

What is was your goal or plan for 2019? We you close to accomplishing them. Celebrate you successes, repent for your failures, and move on.

As you move on, first take the time to seek God for direction for the new year. Seek his face in prayer. Write down the vision for the new year, be as detailed as you can. Then make a plan with steps you can take towards that goal. Refer back to this writer vision throughout the year to help keep you on track.

Reflection requires prayer.

God has a purpose and a plan for everyone – without exception!!

Many times the enemy would like us to believe that we are all alone, without hope. That no one understands where you are, or what you are going through. He tries to make us think that we are the least of all. But this too is another lie that many take to heart.

We serve a God who promised to never leave or forsake us. The same God who cannot lie. This this means God is always there. Yes, there are times when our sins have separated us from him. But God is faithful, and knows how to get through to us. To let us know where we have fallen short, and allow space for repentance. So we can be reconciled to God.

Psalms 61:1-3 says, ” Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.“

It is so good to know that in those times when life would try to overwhelm us, we have a savior who helps with our infirmities (a physical weakness or ailment), and will make intercession (the action of intervening on behalf of another) for us. We go through so much that most of the time we do not even know exactly what is that we need.

With this understanding we are free to seek God for direction for the coming year.

God is always there working for us. Sometimes we fail to realize the depth of his love toward us. Instead, we take a lot of his goodness for granted. We fail to even recognize the hand of God at work in our lives.

But God knows what we need. His intercession for us is always according to God’s will for our lives. In Romans 8:28, we can understand why all things work for our good – because God has been intercession for us. Ordering God’s will to be done in us and through us.

The situations we go through may not be good. However, the end result of them will be for our good. Yes, sometimes loss is for our good. The lessons learned in dealing with loss will be beneficial in many other situations on the horizon. So that loss worked for my good because it prepared me for my future. I am stronger now. I would not have known it if it had not been for experiencing that loss.

So for this coming year…

– Let us learn from both our successes and failures.

– Let us seek God for direction in 2020.

– Let is write the vision down on paper, and refer back to it often.

– Let is think big, and dream big,

– Let us be accountable to remain faithful to the plan.

– Let rely on God, and not our own strength or will.

– Let is go into the new year with a renewed sense of purpose and faith in God.