The Lord stands with us

Hello there,

Happy New Year!

I hope the year 2025 is off to a great start for you and all that is yours. As we continue to reflect on the past year, how has that been for you? I believe so much in the hope of what lies ahead, while at the same time taking a few steps back to gain some perspective on the past. The world we live in seems to be in a rush for the next big thing that we end up missing the connecting dots that bring depth to the bigger picture. I’m gradually learning that taking stock of the past year helps us gain a steady footing for the stretch of the year ahead. In all of it, I hope we make the Lord central in the balance sheet of life. God is good, the Lord stands with us, and He has been faithful through and through—and that is not a cliché.

The year 2024 was different. People grieved; people celebrated. There were breakthroughs and disappointments. We thank God for the productive days and the failing days. On the global stage, things often felt chaotic, as if the world were living on the edge (aren’t we though? The scriptures talk about what to expect in the last days). We also questioned ingenuity as we experienced the bane and boon of A.I. For me, the year was personal. There were a-ha moments of learning and rediscovering myself as I navigated marriage and parenting with my husband. Also postpartum, combined with grad school for both of us was an experience (I think we should normalize the knowledge that dads have their fair share of postpartum too—and there should be support for them). Something about the 30s makes you readjust personal goals and priorities, plus, let’s be honest, your metabolism slows down too😉 (I love it here…ha ha). I’m sure you, my reader, have your own stories to tell.

But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.

2 Timothy 4:17 (NIV).

In the details, in the stories, we find God in it all. He is a father, wrapping His arms around us to bring comfort and guide us through it all. He led us through so we can testify to His goodness and draw men to Him. We’ve learned to trust in Jesus and His ways, albeit we can’t understand most times. Why do we try to unravel His mysteries anyway? By and by we understand it better. In the mundane and important days, Jesus took care of us equally. I am reminded of the words in this song by We Are the Messengers (Thousand Times).

🎶“You can count on that, you know what He’s like (hey)
You’ve seen Him do it a thousand times
Yeah, even in the dead of night
There’s never been a mornin’ when the sun don’t rise
He’ll never let go, you know that it’s true
He’s still that good and He’s still got you
You can count on that, you know what He’s like (hey)
You’ve seen Him do it a thousand times.”🎶

So, dear reader, with that being said, I hope we leap into the new year with hearts full of gratitude and faith in the leading of our Lord. I also hope we are ready to follow His commands, whether we agree with them or not. You know how we say, “The normal” me wouldn’t do that”? Yep, we’ve got to be ready to obey if we truly desire to grow in our walk with God.

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.

John 14:1 (NIV).

As we carry on this year, I am prompted to share something I put down in my note some months back.

Congratulations to all our friends who graduated in the past year! They inspire the rest of us.

I wish you a prosperous New Year. Thank you for stopping by.

You can find more blogs here BeD.E.B.O.R.A.H. – (bedeborah.com). My husband started sharing his songs on a new page dedicated to his ministry, Sounding Vessels’ Music on Facebook

Special note: Would you give your life to Jesus Christ? He is the way, the truth and the life. If yes, please pray the prayers below:

Lord Jesus, thank you for your death and resurrection for the salvation of my soul. Please forgive all my sins. I choose you today to follow and to obey. May your love and the holy spirit lead and guide my purpose for your glory. Thank you, my Lord and savior. Amen!

Grace and blessings,

Olushola.