An Adventure Awaits

Can you believe 2024 is almost over? I’m honestly shocked. It feels like just yesterday I was dipping my toe into this year, and now God is nudging me to dive headfirst into 2025.

At the start of this year, I asked the Lord, “What word should we stand on for 2024?” He answered me with “Green Light.” He showed me that in 2023, I allowed fear to keep me in a lane of yellow lights, where everything was about proceeding with caution. But in 2024, He urged me to stop switching between gas and brakes. It was time to keep my foot on the gas, no brakes needed when you’re in a lane full of green lights.

I can honestly say that’s what I experienced throughout this year, both personally and professionally. Green lights everywhere! However, to truly embrace these green lights, I had to surrender my need for control, my fears, and my expectations. I thought it would be a struggle, but after months of fighting against surrender, God wore me out. I was too exhausted, both mentally and physically, to resist any longer. So, I took my hands off the wheel and allowed myself to simply experience the ride. 

Sometimes I hit unexpected speed bumps and soared over them, but I kept my foot on the gas. Even when the wind rushed through my windows and brought tears to my eyes, I pressed on. I am so grateful I did, because the places I’ve gone, the people I’ve met, and the memories I’ve created are priceless.

For the last two weeks, I eagerly prayed for God’s word for 2025. Each day, I sought His guidance, almost begging for clarity, but each day He remained silent. Then, a few days ago, as I was tidying up my room, my eyes landed on a book on the floor that asked, “Are you ready for your new adventure?” I chuckled to myself, thinking, “Is this the word, God?” 

Later, as I prepared to leave the house, I noticed my granddaughter’s stroller box, which boldly proclaimed, “Your adventure awaits.” I smiled again and thought, “Okay, I see you, Lord. Can I get just one more confirmation?” That morning, I spoke with my sister Toya about what I felt God was showing me, and when I asked her which scripture came to mind, she led me to a passage I’ve recited countless times: Isaiah 43:18-19.

“But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” - Isaiah 43:18-19 NLT

Reading that passage struck a chord deep within me. In that moment, I understood that God was revealing my word for 2025, and instead of a grand revelation, it was a simple yet profound truth: An Adventure Awaits.

This message filled me with feelings of freedom, peace, joy, and a sense of fun that I hadn't anticipated. For so long, I had grown accustomed to suffering and living in the shadows of pain. 

I’ve read the book of Job so many times, drawing parallels between his trials and my own. I felt like a modern day Job, enduring hardships that seemed unending. But here’s the breakthrough: while I’ve journeyed through Job’s story from start to finish, I never truly allowed myself to embrace the conclusion.

What does that mean Sana??

Let me clarify. The Bible tells us that God restored Job’s fortunes, giving him twice as much as he had before. He blessed Job in the second half of his life even more than in the first (Job 42:10, 12 NLT). 

I realized I had never given myself permission to reach that end, the part where God brings restoration and abundance. I never envisioned a life overflowing with joy, and yet here I am, stepping into that very reality. It’s honestly terrifying, because I’ve never known what it feels like to truly experience pure joy. I was constantly bracing myself, waiting for the enemy to swoop in and take it away.

But here’s the truth: the enemy may try, but I refuse to let him steal my joy again. No more. I WILL see my double, and I believe you will too.

I never imagined I would be a grandmother of almost two grandkids at the age of 42. When I first learned that my 16-year-old daughter was pregnant, it felt like life was throwing me a curveball, and for a moment, I thought I was being punished. But in reality, I was being RESTORED.

The years between 14 and 41 were incredibly challenging. Having kids at a young age while navigating my own pain meant I struggled to be the mother my son and daughter truly deserved. It was a tough journey filled with sacrifices and hardships. 

Yet, in a beautiful turn of events, God blessed me with a grandson, and now I’m eagerly awaiting the arrival of a granddaughter, just as my children were born. This feels like a profound gift, a chance to nurture without the weight of my earlier struggles.

Now, I have the honor of giving my grandkids what I wish I could have provided for my own children.

As we approach the end of 2024, let’s take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve shared and the lessons we’ve learned. This year has been an incredible ride, filled with opportunities for growth. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that surrendering to God’s plan opens doors we never knew existed.

I encourage you, my friends, to let go of the fear and control that may be holding you back. Just as I did, keep your foot on the gas and trust in the path laid out before you. Life is full of unexpected twists, but those twists can lead to beautiful destinations when we embrace them with faith and an open heart.

As we step into 2025, remember that God has amazing adventures in store for us. He’s already begun to do something new in your life, even if you can’t see it yet. The promise of restoration, joy, and abundance is ours for the taking. Just as God restored Job and blessed him beyond measure, He is ready to do the same for you. 

So, let’s step boldly into this next chapter together. Your adventure awaits…..Embrace the freedom, peace, and joy that comes from trusting in His plan. You are not alone on this journey, and you will see your double, double joy, double blessings, and double love unfold in ways you never imagined. Keep believing, keep pressing forward, and watch how God transforms your life in ways only He can.

And if you haven’t done so yet, seek God for the foundational word you will stand on in faith for 2025. I know He’s eager to share it with you!