Does anyone else feel like they didn’t accomplish any of their goals in 2021? Like you’re in the same spot as you were 365 days ago? As I’ve been reflecting on the past year, I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that a lot of what I said I wanted to do in the beginning of 2021 has been left undone. Don’t get me wrong, it’s been a great year– some of the highlights for me include participating in a one-year women’s Bible study/mentoring group that taught me a lot about living a Godly life, and getting engaged to my best friend (wedding coming in Fall 2022!) I also met one goal in starting this blog, though it hasn’t been as consistent as I’d hoped. But as I turned back in my journal to the start of 2021, where I wrote that this year I wanted to slow down, prioritize my relationship with God as well as relationships with friends, and feel content with where I am in God’s calling on my life, I realized that I still want all those things. I don’t feel like I made much progress in those areas.
I think a lot of goals got placed on the back burner this year because Covid challenges got people stuck in survival mode. It has been a difficult year for sure, and it’s easy to feel stuck. But be encouraged; as we go into 2022, know that it is not too late to meet your goals, pursue your passions, and follow the calls God has placed on your life.
In Isaiah 55:11, God says “[my word] will not return to me empty, but it will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” God’s words do not return to Him empty, which means that when He says something, it will come to pass. He does not take back the words He speaks. This means:
- If you, like me, went into 2021 (or even 2020!) wanting to claim God’s promise of new life, if you needed to claim His promise of peace, if you intended to seek God’s guidance through prayer or read the Bible more, it’s not too late. God’s promises do not have expiration dates. As long as you are still breathing, it is not too late to claim God’s promises on your life and turn over a new leaf.
- If you sensed a call that God placed on your life, but you haven’t answered the call, it’s not too late to obey. It may look a little different if it’s been some time– I am not God, and I can’t guarantee that the same doors will be open for you now as there were when you first heard Him. But if it was God’s voice you heard, the call is still yours to answer.
- And if you are overwhelmed by the divisions and chaos in our world today, this verse means that God’s promises to bring Heaven to earth and eliminate sin for good are still true. God’s purpose has not changed, and Covid has not changed His plans. He will still overcome the world (John 16:33).
So as we go into 2022, take heart; it is not too late to start over. It’s not too late to get yourself out of survival mode and start thriving again. It’s not too late to claim the promises God gives us in His word, and to follow the dreams He has placed in your heart. I’ll be right there with you.
P.S. If you read this, I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment with some goals you have for 2022!
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