Last remnants of the cookies I baked are going stale on the kitchen counter and a pile of clean sheets waits on the bed in my son’s recently vacated room. The holiday season is coming to a close, but regular life hasn’t kicked back into gear for me yet. It’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past year in preparation for the one ahead. Will you consider joining me in pondering the three questions below before you get swept in the activity of 2025?
- What shaped your character, faith, and worldview?
The things we read, watch, listen to and experience all affect our mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational health so I try to be intentional about what I allow into my mind. Here are few inputs that have shaped me positively in the last year:
Studying the Bible: I’ve loved opening the Bible and unpacking its truth in a variety of places with different people and groups. Hebrews 10:23-25 is always in the back of my mind when it comes to Bible study: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
How will you incorporate consistent Bible study into your schedule in 2025? Who will you study with this year so you can spur one another on? Whether it’s one person, a small group at home, or a ministry at church, make it a priority to plug in and commit this year. You’ll be glad you did.
In-Person Experiences: I had the privilege of going to Mexico as a leader with our high school youth group and participating in Impact Day at San Francisco City Impact in the Tenderloin. Seeing the Holy Spirit move in these places was powerful and reminded me that there’s no substitute for showing up in person. Trusting God while stretching the limits of our comfort zones is one of the best ways to let Him work in and through us.
Making room in your calendar to say “yes” to a conference, retreat, mission trip, or day of serving always feels like a challenge, but it’s so worth the effort. Will you pray and ask God where He might be calling you to say “yes” to an opportunity to be stretched this year?
Good Books: Among the list of books I read this year, three I’m still thinking about are Dominion by Tom Holland, Jesus and the Powers by N.T. Wright and Michael Bird, and You Are a Theologian by Jen Wilkin and J.T. English. The first gave me a greater understanding of world history and the impact of Christianity on events through time. The second helped me to have big-picture view of power and authority and to consider our culture through the lens of God’s kingdom. The third explained key doctrines and how they impact us personally and corporately.
There is no replacement for a good book. Will you commit to reading or listening to at least one this year that will expand your knowledge about some aspect of your faith journey?
Practical Podcasts: Among the many I listened to, two that consistently expand my knowledge and spur on my faith are Knowing Faith (Kyle Worley, JT English, Jen Wilkin) and Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast (Pete Scazzero). My biblical knowledge has grown and I’ve discovered useful tools for navigating life, faith, ministry, and relationships.
Inspiring Shows: If you haven’t watched The Chosen yet, add it to your watch list for 2025. It adds color, depth, and relatability to stories in the gospels that brings them to life even more.
Now, consider what shaped your character and worldview this year for better or for worse. What will you add or eliminate for 2025 so that the Holy Spirit can shape you more?
2) Where did you see God at work? How did you grow personally or spiritually?
I’ve grown by seeing the power of the prayer and the movement of the Holy Spirit. I am a person of action, but this year I learned the importance of trusting and waiting for God’s timing and prompting. When impatience or fear goaded me to step into a situation, I stopped and prayed instead. As a result, I saw some incredibly obvious answers to prayer unfold later (especially with my adult sons). At other times, the Spirit prompted me to take action in unplanned opportunities—whether hosting a college group all summer in my backyard or spontaneously praying for people I encountered.
As I’ve mentored young women, coached fellow Bible teachers, and served in Women’s Ministries, I have continued to find the most impactful moments come in small group and one on one connections. Relationships are my priority; programs are simply tools to provide meaningful content for significant conversations.
Now, how would you answer the question above?
3) Where will you focus your energy in 2025?
I want to be used by God to bless others, expand His kingdom, and bring Him glory. I hope to resist the tendency to pray for circumstances to unfold as I think they should. I want to trust God with the unknowns that lie ahead. I pray the Lord will expand my capacity to receive His Spirit and that He will use my time, resources, and gifts to pour into others and point them toward Him.
Before you charge into 2025, take some time to ponder where you’ve been. Reflecting on these questions will enable you to be more intentional in the year ahead. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:33, NIV) Happy New Year!
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