Entering 2022, many held out great hope for a better year. Prophetic words declared imminent breakthroughs; prayer was taking place in every state across the nation; hope was in the air. Today I wonder, as we stand on the verge of 2023: Does this same hope remain intact?

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In 2022 alone, we have endured these: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; the Texas school shooting; multiple supermarket shootings; the FBI’s search at Mar-a-Lago; Putin’s threat of nuclear war; skyrocketing gas and grocery prices; famine across the land, with threats of more to come — and all this while many continue to battle the ongoing effects of COVID.

It has been yet another uncertain year at best. We have remained in the throes of a declining economic forecast, with housing prices skyrocketing and then dropping again. Further political upheaval has been evident as people across the nation awaken to the truth about our government. All of this has caused spiritual warfare to increase. And prayer warriors have become weary of the battle. In essence, this year has probably not been what most of us hoped for. However, it remains important to exit this year with a sense of undeterred hope, so that we may enter into this next year in the same manner.

The question is, how do we continue to maintain hope if we have failed to see the change we expected in 2022? Well, sometimes, we must look back.

While looking back is not always a good thing (witness Lot’s wife), there are times that doing so can prove beneficial. Deuteronomy 6:12 says: … then take care lest you forget the LORD, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

We must always remember and never forget: It is God who has brought us through. While the past few years have brought unprecedented challenges, God has remained faithful through it all. Not only did He bring us through, but He has wrought great change in the Body of Christ. And this is so not only in the Body of Christ, but we are even seeing victories won on the local, state, and national levels. God is indeed driving out our enemy — little by little. While we would love to see things shift overnight, I am comforted by this passage: 

Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased, and you inherit the land (Exodus 23:30 NKJV).

God is increasing His church and equipping us to take back possession of the land He has given us. I love how the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition, translates that verse: Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased and are numerous enough to take possession of the land.

We must take comfort in this promise, knowing that God is indeed working in our land, driving out the enemies of God, little by little. We can, therefore, embrace this coming new year with peace, faith, and a renewed hope in God.

We must not focus on the disappointments of this year; we must think instead about those things in which we have seen the hand of God move.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things (Philippians 4:8 NKJV).

Things that are true and of a good report — these are the things we take into our new year. We take with us the momentum that the Body of Christ has gained as we have awakened and arisen, and as we continue fervently praying together, in agreement about God’s plan for our nation and for our family.

We also take with us continual thanksgiving and a resolute hope. God’s kind of hope does not disappoint. We must believe that God has a good plan for us and for our nation — and we must hold fast to that hope without wavering. We must fill our hearts and mouths with thanksgiving. God is so good, and He has done so much for us. Just the fact that you are reading this today tells me that He has brought you through. He will continue to do just that.

Our part is to continue to run the race with determination, patience, and passion.

The Bible says: Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1 KJV).

The Passion Translation renders that verse this way: As for us, we have all of these great witnesses who encircle us like clouds. So we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us.

As the Scripture declares, our path has already been marked out before us — and, praise God, we win! We are fighting from a place of victory. It was purchased fully at the cross. The battle is already won. Never allow the Enemy to tell you differently.

Knowing this, it’s imperative we take a moment, as this year ends, to thank God for all He has done, for all He has brought us through, and for the victory that is already ours. And then it is time to move forward in hope.

Philippians 3:14 says: I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward (AMPC).

As the Body of Christ, we have fought the good fight in 2022, we have stood firm, and we have seen God do amazing things! As we embrace 2023, may we purpose to hope against hope, and to see the promises of God made manifest. May we enter this new year with thanksgiving for what is behind, even as we move forward with anticipation and hope for what lies ahead.

What promise is the Spirit giving you about 2023? Share it below to encourage others.

Kim Potter is a writer and the founder of A New Thing Ministries, which sends a daily teaching to thousands of people all around the world. Her articles have appeared on The Elijah List, in Charisma Magazine, and on Spirit Fuel and iBelieve.com. Kim’s message is one of hope. She speaks to the hearts of those who have grown discouraged or disappointed by the circumstances of life. To receive her daily inspirational writings, go to www.anewthingministries.com. Photo Credit: Canva.