Don’t Look Back
There are years that feel like a refining fire, where tribulations press in, grace carries you, and victories remind you that God is still God. As I close the door on this year and step into 2026, I’m choosing something on purpose:
I do not want to be like Lot’s wife, looking back.
I want to move forward.
Not in my own strength. Not by hype. Not by fear-driven striving. But by the Spirit of God, walking in His presence, His purpose, and His obedience.
The Warning in Lot’s Wife: A Heart That Turns Back
Lot’s wife is one of those sobering moments in Scripture where God gives a clear instruction, a clear rescue, and a clear direction, yet her heart turns backward.
“But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:26)
This wasn’t just a glance. It was a revealing. Looking back can expose attachment, attachment to what God delivered us from, to what felt familiar, to what we once depended on, to what we once tolerated. Sometimes what we call “memory” is actually longing. Sometimes what we call “reflection” is actually hesitation.
And as I enter 2026, I’m asking the Lord to purify my gaze.
Because the Kingdom is a forward-moving Kingdom.
One Thing I Choose for 2026: Pressing Toward What’s Ahead
The Apostle Paul didn’t live in denial about hardship, but he also refused to live chained to the past. He wrote:
“Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal…” (Philippians 3:13–14)
Notice what Paul is doing:
- Forgetting what is behind (not pretending it didn’t happen, but refusing to live under it)
- Reaching forward (stretching toward what God is doing now)
- Pressing toward the goal (continuing with endurance)
That is my posture for 2026.
Not backward.
Not stuck.
Not frozen in pain, regret, disappointment, or even nostalgia.
Forward.
God’s Presence Is My Priority
More than outcomes.
More than answers.
More than perfect circumstances.
I want God.
Moses said something that settles it in my spirit every time:
“If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.” (Exodus 33:15)
I don’t want a “successful” year without the Presence of God.
I don’t want busy ministry without intimacy.
I don’t want productivity without peace.
In 2026, my deepest desire is to dwell with Him, because everything changes when we live near the Lord.
“One thing I have desired of the Lord… that I may dwell in the house of the Lord… to behold the beauty of the Lord.” (Psalm 27:4)
Obedience: The Pathway Into Purpose
Purpose isn’t something we discover only through big moments. Often, it’s revealed through small obediences that stack over time.
Jesus said:
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)
Obedience isn’t punishment; it’s protection.
Obedience isn’t restriction; it’s alignment.
Obedience is love expressed in action.
And this is what I know: when God gives direction, it is always connected to freedom, even when it feels uncomfortable.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart… In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)
In 2026, I want my ways to acknowledge Him. Not just my Sunday ways. Not just my “prayer closet” ways. All my ways.
Grace for the Journey, Strength for the Refining
I’m not entering 2026 pretending life won’t have battles. I’m entering it anchored in the truth that God will meet me in every battle.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Grace doesn’t just forgive. Grace empowers.
Grace doesn’t just cover. Grace carries.
Grace doesn’t just save. Grace sustains.
This year taught me that weakness isn’t the end of the story, it’s often the doorway where God’s strength becomes undeniable.
For My Family: Forward in Faith
I believe God is moving in my family. I believe He is healing, restoring, redeeming, and aligning hearts. Some answers come suddenly. Some come slowly. But God is faithful through both.
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)
That is not just a statement, it’s a declaration of direction.
So in 2026, I’m choosing to speak life over my home:
- that we will walk in God’s purpose,
- that we will hunger for His presence,
- that we will be protected and led by His Spirit,
- that we will become a testimony of the goodness of God.
For Our Nation: Hope Without Fear
It’s easy to live focused on what’s shaking. But Scripture reminds us that shaking can reveal what cannot be shaken.
“Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven… that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.” (Hebrews 12:26–27)
I believe God is raising up truth, righteousness, repentance, and courage. I believe He is exposing what is hidden and calling His people to stand, pray, and obey, not with panic, but with authority and love.
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray… then I will hear from heaven…” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
We are not powerless. We are not without hope. We are not abandoned.
God is writing a story in this nation, and He’s calling His people to participate through prayer, obedience, and unwavering faith.
The Best Is Yet to Come,Because God Is Already There
2026 is not unknown to God.
He is already in it.
Already preparing.
Already ordering steps.
Already opening doors no man can shut.
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.” (Psalm 37:23)
“Behold, I am doing a new thing… I will even make a road in the wilderness.” (Isaiah 43:19)
That’s the heartbeat of my expectation: not that everything will be easy, but that God will be present and His purposes will prevail.
My Declaration as I Enter 2026
I will not look back with longing.
I will not look back with fear.
I will not look back and miss what God is doing now.
I will move forward, eyes on Jesus.
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2)
I am stepping into 2026 with faith.
With obedience.
With expectation.
With joy.
The best is yet to come.
Because God is faithful, and He finishes what He starts.
“He who has begun a good work in you will complete it…” (Philippians 1:6)
Amen.
