“To fear is to have more faith in your antagonist than in Christ.”
Dear Readers, 2022 was an interesting year for the country, me, and maybe even you. There were highs and lows, peaks and valleys, and ups and downs. In 2022, the United States suffered multiple mass shootings, increased inflation, racial/cultural strife, Pandemic deaths, and much more. Globally, Russia invaded Ukraine, climate change intensified, numerous humanitarian crises arose, and more. Despite all this negativity, or partly because of it, I grew in my walk with Christ.
The new year, 2023, is on the horizon. As you make New Year resolutions, create your dream boards, reflect on your achievement lists, and solemnly make promises of change, please remember one thing – GOD NEVER FAILS. Can I get an amen?
God gave me this divine revelation the other day as I read a friend’s inspiring Facebook post. She encouraged her followers to bid high on themselves and take risks to reach their goals as she approached being sworn in as a recently elected judge. While writing a congratulatory comment, the Holy Spirit said, “God Never Fails.”
The light bulb exploded in my spirit. Sure, I’ve heard others say God never fails all my life. But it’s different when the Holy Spirit says something to you personally.
The fundamental truth that God never fails continued circulating in my head as I contemplated what topic I wanted to write about in this blog. Each year without fail, I write down my goals for the new year. 2023 is no different. I sat in front of my computer, like I am now, and contemplated five goals for 2023. Admittedly, it wasn’t very productive as I went through the motions. My goals list typically ends up on the rubbish pile within a few months. My vow in 2023, however, (here I go again, lol) is to change this pattern because of the new rhema revelation that has gripped my heart. God Never Fails.
The Old and New Testaments demonstrate God never fails. For example, the prophet Zephaniah foresaw God’s judgment of doom on Israel because of her injustice and idolatry. Much like today, there is an imminent sense of God’s judgment on America for her injustice and idolatry, including her racial strife, hatred, economic disparity, and more. However, Zephaniah ends on a note of hope – that God’s love and mercy are rays of light piercing the darkness of this world. In other words, despite Israel’s failures, God never fails.
According to the New Living Translation (NLT), Prophet Zephaniah first listed all of Israel’s failures in chapter three, verses one through four, then in verse five, he says, “But the Lord is still there in the city (Speaking of Jerusalem)…and he does not fail….” One translation of this verse states, “He never fails.” There’s that rhema utterance again.
The comfort I take from this verse is that if I write down my goals and list of self-growth, it’s okay if I fail to reach every goal because God never fails. He’s faithful when we aren’t faithful! 2 Timothy 2:13. What a massive release from fear to know God never fails us whether we fail to achieve our goals or not. Wow, the goodness of God amazes me.
Thus, I encourage everyone to work towards growing in Christ in 2023 by setting personal goals, spending time with Christ in prayer, developing healthy relationships, focusing on mindfulness, and more. Additionally, regarding career or business endeavors, seek God’s wisdom, take risks, defy the odds, and do something you’ve always desired but shrunk back in fear. Take comfort in knowing when trouble comes, and it will – God Never Fails. He said to His disciples in John 16:33, In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. So, if you fail, get up and keep striving because God never fails. If Jesus forgave Peter and used him despite Peter denying Jesus three times, surely Jesus will never fail us because of our failures. So, Breathe, Exhale!
I’ll leave you with this scripture: “But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7. God will not fail you in 2023. Whatever happened in 2022 is in the past. Focus on putting one foot in front of the other as you walk with the Lord. Be courageous. You will be rewarded. You may suffer losses but will not fail ultimately because God Never Fails!
