Looking back; looking forward

Reflecting on 2021 can bring back all sorts of memories, feelings, experiences and surprises, both good and bad.

Whatever 2021 brought you, it’s a comfort to know that God is always with us, still on the throne and goes ahead of us in 2022.

Rhea, Abigail and Shannon have all gone through challenges and changes in their lives, and have taken a moment to reflect on this.

Rhea Talbot (Manchester)

2021 was a year of uncertainty and rebuilding. Personally, it was a year to be strong and courageous.

There was a lot to fear, but God was constantly and gently reminding me that we don’t see what’s on the other side. He is continually fighting on our behalf.

In 2022, I'm look forward to seeing the things God has prepared for us. I think there are going to be new seasons and opportunities for many to rebuild what was taken.

I encourage you to be strong and courageous like Joshua and Moses.

Don’t fear what might happen, but trust in the words that God has said: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified... for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you,” (Deut 31:6- 8).

Abigail Aston (Dudley, West Midlands)

2021 was definitely a mixed bag of emotions for me.

Being in a pandemic and going through health challenges within my family caused a lot of confusion and anxiety.

It was the year that I planned my wedding. I got married and started to build a new home with my husband, which brought me a lot of excitement and joy.

It was a year to navigate carefully, but also a year to reflect on what truly matters in life.

God taught me you can still have joy and peace with all that life can bring – you just have to let go and allow God to be the author.

I’m excited to see what God has in store in 2022, as I know his plans are always worked out for good.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose,” (Romans 8:28).

Shannon Williams (Birmingham)

For me last year was full of fear and uncertainty about what was to come after the added ordeal of 2020.

But what God had in store was the complete opposite.

Last year can be summed up as nothing short of a season of change – new home, new job and new church. New routines and new beginnings.

Change normally produces anxiety, but this new season was full of peace.

One of my favourite verses is Psalm 4:8: “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

I am so thankful for all God has done in my life, for all the new beginnings and the new seasons which he is leading me in.

For 2022, we can be expectant that God is only going to multiply what he has already started.

First published in the December  2021/January 2022 issue of Direction, Elim’s monthly magazine. Subscribe now to get Direction delivered to your home.

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