2021: Better
Prior to the beginning of each year, I seek the Lord for a word or phrase to describe the year ahead. I believe God wants to give each of us a preview of what’s ahead for us so we can be on the lookout for the ways He will fulfill what He has spoken. These words can be for us as individuals or for a nation or for the body of Christ.
What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. Isaiah 46:11 (New International Version, NIV)
The word I have received for God for 2021 is a simple one. When God spoke to me about the year ahead, He said one word: better. I know this is a word for me personally, as 2020 provided me some very unique and difficult challenges. The Lord is telling me that 2021 is going to be better for me. However, the word is also for the rest of the church and for the world too. Things are definitely getting better, especially if you are a follower of Jesus.
We can look at this in two ways and I believe both ways apply. We can see the word better and automatically think about the difficulties of 2020 and believe that 2021 will be an improvement. And I do believe that is true. it will definitely be a better year in general. The problems from 2020 and before will be corrected and vindicated. 2021 will be better than 2020.
The second way we can look at better is to see that things will be better than ever for us. In other words, 2021 will be the best year yet. And I think this is true. When we get to the end of 2021, we will see how amazing the year has been and how past hurts, wounds, injustices, and wrongs have been rectified and fixed, almost as if they never happened. In addition, we will have taken ground that we never thought possible. I have great expectations for 2021. And you should too.
I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Jeremiah 29:11 (The Message, MSG)
Do you have a word from the Lord for 2021? If you have not asked Him to give you one, do so now. He will give you a phrase or a word- He may even give you a detailed plan to be executed in the year ahead. To move ahead without a vision for the year is like trying to walk around in the dark- you see nothing and you can easily go the wrong way. Get with God to see what His plan is for 2021- for you and for others. You’ll be amazed and encouraged by what He has to tell you.
