For starters let us start by thanking GOD for the gift of life – this very special gift upon which all else depend on. It isn’t because we are necessarily better than those who passed on, it is simply GOD’s mercies that have brought us this far and we should never for a moment forget that.

Next, let’s count our blessings and develop a habit of thankfulness. 2020 wasn’t all that bad. Many had their prayers for marital partners and marriages fulfilled, many were blessed with the fruit of the womb, safe childbirth and the continuous health and growth of their babies, many landed their dream jobs, rounded up higher education, got promoted, built their dream houses, bought that car they had been longing for and so much more. Some were blessed with a closer walk with God while other families and marriages were healed because they got that much-needed family or ‘couple’ time that helped make relationships better and take things to the next level. Interestingly many lives were also saved because they finally got the time off to attend to one health condition or the other. While our youths finally summoned up the courage to speak up against issues in our society having gotten tired of the suffering and smiling attitude of the typical Nigerian. So you see, when you look back at 2020, it wasn’t all bad.

As we begin this new year may GOD give us the courage to forge ahead, may GOD heal all broken hearts and bless them with spouses that will make the waiting time worth it. May those who lost jobs find their divine purpose and be equipped to fulfil them so that when that dream job arrives they will be ready to execute all tasks brilliantly and shine like the lights if the world that we have been called to be. May those experiencing confusion receive clear directions for their lives that go way beyond ordinary New Year’s resolutions. May those whose loved ones passed on in the previous years find comfort in the Holy Spirit as only Him can heal such pain.

Ok… so what’s the plan for 2021? Remember that saying that after darkness comes light? I do sincerely pray 2021 will be a real manifestation of this. Do you have your goals all clearly set out such as your spiritual goals, family goals, career goals, health goals, financial goals, fitness goals and developmental goals? Write all these goals out clearly so you can, make them plain on tablets that whosoever reads them can run with it.

Form a closer relationship with the Heavenly Father; He will cause the Holy Spirit to direct the affairs of your life, as you learn to trust GOD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, and in all your ways, He shall direct your part. Therefore before you start your goals for the year, place them before GOD and He’ll bring them to pass against all odds according to His will.

Having done this, praise GOD for the fulfilment of your goals and then, go ahead with your goals. You may experience some glitches or hiccups along the way that threaten to sway you, don’t get swayed, stay on course all through the year. If you fall, pick up yourself and keep running.

You see life is all about courage and you will need this a lot. Be bold, be strong, for the LORD your GOD is with you. Have the right attitude at all times; it will make all the difference between winning and succeeding or the opposite of these.

Don’t forget to plan ahead of things and have a contingency plan if need be. This should not take the place of faith in God to bring things to pass in your life.