Welcome to Road to Reflection, a section where I pen my thoughts and lessons from experiences as an everyday believer. If this is your first time on Bud and Blossom, feel free to check for older posts here.
In 2021, I began learning about proclamations and how necessary it is to confess the Word of God at all times. At my local church, we were taught to say what Scripture states about us, and this concept was new to me, especially as I was quite pessimistic in my outlook to the things of life. In the same year, I watched a video by Derek Prince, titled The Power of Proclamation and remember being in awe of how professing Scriptures in faith could effectively lead to the manifestation of God's power in diverse circumstances.
Even though these lessons were first theoretical at that time, they struck me deeply. It didn't take long for me to get plunged into seasons of life where I had no option than to apply this knowledge. Slowly but surely, the Lord began to emphasize the importance of confessing His Word to me in these moments, and this led to His sanctification of my speech (the process is still ongoing).
Looking back, I affirm that this lesson of proclamation was very instrumental in many areas of my experience in 2023. One of the many Bible verses I confessed frequently (and hold dearly) last year was Psalm 138:8 which says, The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. This verse constantly reminds me of Papa’s faithfulness to successfully complete what He started in my life and an acknowledgement of His enduring mercy.
Now that this year has begun, I still find myself returning to this verse. Indeed, God’s Word has no expiry, looses not its efficacy, nor change even when years do. He is evergreen, His Word ever true.
This year, know that Jesus Christ is not done with His work in you.
It is normal for us to look back on activities and happenings within a timeframe when it approaches its end. Sometimes, we focus on failures and unachieved plans, and let negative comparison in, with its voice shouting in our minds. However, Jesus Christ wants us to recognize that He does not define us by our shortcomings nor setbacks, but by His Word. He has given us a fresh start and a beautiful promise to finish His work in us. We must let go of the past, so that we can see and press forward in Him for what is to come.
There is beauty in new beginnings, there is perfection in His hands.
Perhaps you did not get your desires of the past year Nor have all your written plans come to bear
Perhaps others “seemingly” got ahead of you Relax, little one, rely not on your view
Rest in this truth: Papa is faithful Rejoice and clap! You made it to a new phase
Sing and be grateful for His mercies They continue to keep you
Indeed, the Father is ready to move Believe, He is making all things new
The Lord will perfect what concerns His people; His mercy is everlastingly true
Forsake us not; we are the works of Your hands.