People all over the globe are using memes to express their frustration, disappointment, and loss of security that 2020 brought forth. It has been a whirlwind of a year for sure. Despite all the unknowns, loss of income, tiny wedding, and the inability to go to the States for a visit as planned, I feel extremely blessed. 

If I’m honest 2020 didn’t bring all the things that you or I wanted, but what it did bring is what we needed. A time to slow down and appreciate what we do have; family, loved ones, a roof over our heads, and food in our stomachs. You know the list every mother shouted at you at some point when you were being ungrateful as a child. For me, it also brought a deeper connection with God through others and strengthened my faith in Him. 

My verse for the year was 

“ Cast your burden on the Lord [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you. HE will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail). But You O’ God will bring down the wicked to the pit of destruction; Men of blood and treachery will not live out half their days. But I will (boldly and unwaveringly) trust in you.”

– Psalm 55:22-23 (AMP)

I didn’t make goals for 2020, which I must say is so not me, but I’m glad I didn’t. God knew before I did that the majority of those goals I wouldn’t attain. Thanks for sparring me in the disappointment and frustration. Instead, He gave me four burdens to lay at the foot of His throne and pray for throughout the year. 

Guess what? 

He answered each one of those prayers! 

The God that I serve cares about the things that His children hold dear. However, He is not a genie in a bottle who answers every request with the snap of His fingertips. He is a loving God who wants what Is best for His children and gives us exactly what we need.

Jesus said in the book of John that He does nothing on own His initiative. He only does what He sees the Father doing and is incapable of doing anything without the Father. This concept is the way that I want to live out next year. I want to continue to serve the people of Eswatini boldly with confidence and reverence for the Father. I want every word that I speak to be edifying to the Lord. I want every step I take to be illuminated by God. I want my thoughts to glorify Him and Him alone. I want to do nothing on my own initiative. I desire Him to be my guiding light, doing what I feel touched by the Spirit to do. I want my marriage to be a reflection of His love and grace. I desire to be the best mother figure that I can be to those who come to live in our home. 

As you continue with 2021 I pray you want only God’s desire for your life. Be blessed. Let me live you with this.

The Lord bless you, and keep you [protect you, sustain you, and guard you]; The Lord make His face shine upon you [with favor], And be gracious to you [surrounding you with lovingkindness]; The Lord lift up His countenance (face) upon you [with divine approval], And give you peace [a tranquil heart and life].’
Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 AMP

“ ‘Shangatsi Simakadze angakubusisa akugcine. Shangatsi Simakadze angakhanyisa buso bakhe kuwe, abe nemusa kuwe. Shangatsi Simakadze angaphakamisela buso bakhe ngakuwe, akuphe nekuthula.’
Numeri 6:24‭-‬26 SWT