During the past two years, everyone was challenged and stretched to their limits on every imaginable level of life. Life, as we knew it before COVID, was shaken up. We lost loved ones, encountered restricted movement and people in ministries had to stand tall in situations when their knees were so weak that they could only kneel and pray.

In Esther 4:13-14 we read that Mordecai sent Esther a message to say: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” History testifies that she was at the right time at the right place to be instrumental in saving her people.

God called you for the ministry for which He prepared you. “The LORD has made everything for its own purpose” (Proverbs 16:4a NASB). Isaiah proclaimed, “See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you” (Isaiah 60:2).

Now is the time to be committed to sticking it out and to refuse to be shaken. God is faithful and gracious. “The LORD said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled” (Jeremiah 1:12 NIV).

Waiting for prayers to be answered is a challenge. There had been times I wondered, “How long is it going to take, when will the promised breakthrough come?” I had to learn that God’s timing is always perfect. “The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing” (Psalm 145:14-16 NIV).

Paul also wrote about God’s timing proclaiming, “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son” (Galatians 4:4 NIV). The Amplified translation states, “When the proper time had fully come…”

This is a time to do what we are called to do. It is easy to be distracted by stories of corruption and lawlessness instead of staying faithful to our God-given calling. He told them about all the evil things that would be happening. Then He makes this remarkable statement, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” (Matthew 24:6 NIV). 

In unstable times we pray together for the truth to come to the fore and for justice, while we wisely minister to God’s people. God will bring stability in ways that we have never seen before because He sustains His people. “And He will be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is his treasure” (Isaiah 33:6 NASB).

In 2022 we encourage our friends, affiliates and associates to stay rooted in Jesus Christ. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NIV). Let’s pray for each other and keep our eyes on God.

We declare that 2022 will be a year of prayer and thanksgiving. Let’s stand together in prayer and seek God wisdom. You are not walking alone in the dark. “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20 NIV). We are committed to sharing what God has taught us in the 35+ years of ministry with you. “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” (James 3:13 NIV). When we can rise on the wisdom of others and get a new view of our situations, our next steps seem a little clearer.

Our prayer. Heavenly Father, I turn my heart and my mind toward You and toward the role You have given me. Help me to understand Your will and Your purpose. I bow before You and ask for Your direction and guidance, as well as Your courage to live out the calling I’ve been given for this time. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.