The Voice
At the end of the year, I like to reflect on the ways that God provided, how I grew, goals I hit and things I was proud of. But I make a much longer list in my head of all the things I didn’t accomplish and the ways I fell short. All the “I can’t believe I did that and how am I still struggling with this after so long?” The enemy would love nothing more than to rewrite the narrative of the year and trick me into putting a blanket statement over the whole thing: Not Good Enough. Didn’t Do Enough. Same Struggle. So Many Unfinished Projects.
The Holy Spirit has been speaking something else. It’s much quieter, much harder to believe, but I wonder if it’s something you need to hear too. Echoing the words that God spoke from heaven over his own son Jesus, I hear his voice saying “You are my beloved, on you my favor rests.”
It’s easy to get stuck in the growth that didn’t happen. To believe I’m not enough and don’t deserve good things. But when I listen to the soft voice calling me Beloved, drawing me back in, I’m reminded God just wants my attention and my heart. He doesn’t grade my performance or punish me for my mistakes. He has grace for me because he wants a relationship with me.
I love 2 Corinthians 12:9– “Each time he answered me: ‘My grace is always more than enough for you, my power finds its full expression through your weakness.’ So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me.”
It’s okay to look back on this year and see some weakness. It’s okay to have big goals and want more for yourself. But maybe what I’m learning can be a reminder for you, too— the year wasn’t marked by moments of failure or unchecked boxes. For every unfinished project, think about how many things you did finish! Those were all glimpses of new life that will continue to grow over time if you keep returning to the voice that calls you Beloved.
It’s not just a new years thing. God is always there for you with open arms. He wants to rewrite your story and label not just this year, but your life: Good. Enough. Same God. He’s Not Finished With You Yet.
