A friend recently shared these words with me, and they have stayed in my heart:
“Can you imagine what might change if we began each morning by praying, ‘Lord, don’t let me waste a single part of the calling You’ve given me for today. Whatever You desire to do in and through me, keep me from losing sight of it through distraction, fear, selfishness, or the need to control. Keep my heart centred on You, so I notice what You’re doing instead of getting caught up in what feels urgent.’”
These words have made me reflect on how easily we can become so occupied with the demands of everyday life that we miss what God is doing around us. We can accomplish everything on our to-do list and still overlook the quiet promptings of the Holy Spirit.
What if a fruitful day is not simply one in which we accomplish everything we planned, but one in which we remain attentive to God and obedient to His leading?
Looking Back on 41
As I look back on 41, I’m grateful for a year filled with opportunities I never expected, moments when God’s calling became clearer, and lessons that deepened my walk with Christ. It has been a year of surrender and obedience in a way I have not experienced before. Even when the path was difficult or not what I would have chosen, I tried to respond when I sensed the Lord leading, and I’m thankful for where He has brought me.
This year has reminded me that surrender is not always easy. Sometimes, it means releasing our plans, trusting God when we cannot see the way forward, and choosing obedience before we have all the answers.
Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and acknowledge Him in all our ways so that He can direct our paths.
I’m grateful for what God has helped me do well, but I also recognise the areas where I still need to grow. More than measuring this year by my achievements, I want to remember how He has been shaping my heart along the way.
Stepping Into 42
Now, as I turn 42 on October 17, I’m stepping into a new year with hope and expectation. I know there are areas where I still need to grow, and I’m asking God to shape my heart, strengthen my faith, and help me honour Him more fully. I’m grateful for the things He helped me do well, and I trust His Spirit to keep teaching me where I can do better.
Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Every day is a gift from God. Numbering our days is not about fearing how much time we have left, but about learning to live wisely because our time matters.
I want to enter this new year more sensitive to the Holy Spirit, less distracted by what competes for my attention, and more willing to obey when He leads. There will always be another task, another responsibility, and another urgent demand. But I do not want the urgency of life to drown out the voice of God.
Sometimes, His calling is found in the ordinary: a conversation, an opportunity to encourage someone, a decision to forgive, or the courage to do what is right when nobody is watching. Colossians 3:23 reminds us to do everything wholeheartedly, as unto the Lord.
I want to remain faithful not only in the significant moments, but also in the little things. I want to look back at the end of this year and recognise the moments when I listened, obeyed, and allowed God to work through me.
I know I will not get everything right, but I trust the God who continues His work in me (Philippians 1:6). My greatest desire is not simply to accomplish more, but to become more like Jesus.
As I step into 42, this is my prayer: Lord, help me listen closely, obey wholeheartedly, and keep my attention on what You are doing, not only on what feels urgent. Use my life for Your purposes, and don’t let me waste a single day You have entrusted to me.
| Consider This 1. Begin each day with surrender. Before the demands of the day take over, ask God to direct your steps and help you recognise His leading. Read: Proverbs 3:5–6. 2. Identify what is distracting you from God. Is it fear, busyness, selfishness, or the need to control? Identify one thing you need to surrender and take a practical step towards change. Read: Ephesians 5:15–16. 3. End each day with reflection. Ask yourself: Where did I see God at work today? What did He teach me? Was there an opportunity to obey that I missed? Thank Him for His grace and entrust tomorrow to Him. |
