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As we stand on the threshold of another new year, many of us find ourselves doing two things at once—looking back and looking forward. We reflect on what has been, the moments that shaped us, the joys we celebrated, and the hardships we did not choose. At the same time, we look ahead with anticipation, uncertainty, and hope about what this new year might hold. This is often the season of fresh starts, new rhythms, and renewed vision. Some make resolutions, others simply pause long enough to ask, What might God be inviting me into next?

As we step into 2026, I find myself drawn to the words of the Apostle Paul near the end of his life. Writing from prison, likely facing execution, Paul reflects honestly on his circumstances and yet speaks with remarkable clarity and confidence. He writes:

“At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me… The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
(2 Timothy 4:16–18)

What stands out immediately is Paul’s realism. He does not sugarcoat his experience. He acknowledges disappointment, abandonment, and loneliness. No one stood by him. Yet in the same breath, he testifies to a deeper and truer reality: the Lord stood by me. Even when others were absent, God was present. Even when human support failed, divine faithfulness did not.

As we look back on the year behind us, some of us can identify with Paul’s words more than we might like. There may have been moments when you felt overlooked, misunderstood, or alone. Seasons where support was thinner than expected and answers slower than hoped. And yet, if we pause long enough to reflect, many of us can also say with confidence: the Lord stood by us. He sustained us, strengthened us, and carried us through moments we were not sure we would survive. His presence did not always remove the hardship, but it was enough to see us through it.

Paul’s confidence, however, does not stop with looking back. He also looks forward. From a prison cell, facing an uncertain future, he boldly declares, “The Lord will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom.” This is not denial of suffering or escape from reality—it is deep trust rooted in the character of God. Paul knew that regardless of what awaited him, his life was secure in the hands of a faithful Savior.

As we look ahead to 2026, the truth is simple and sobering: we do not know what this year will bring. There will be moments of joy we cannot yet imagine and challenges we would never choose. Plans will change. Unexpected things will happen. But what we do know is this—the same Lord who stood by us in the past will walk with us into the future. And because of that, we can face this new year with confidence rather than fear.

No matter what comes in 2026, we can say with Paul: the Lord was with me, the Lord is with me, and the Lord will carry me safely home. That truth allows us to live boldly, love generously, and trust deeply. Come what may, everything is going to be alright—not because the road will be easy, but because the Lord will be faithful.

As we begin this new year together, may we walk forward with gratitude for where God has been, confidence in where He is leading, and hope anchored in His unshakable kingdom.