As 2023 comes to a close, I cannot help but remember the many places Jesus carried me through. In this year of being doted on in hidden joy, I was formed by the places Jesus called me to meet him and the truths he revealed about his character.
As I met God in the garden, the Lord God planted me. I saw Jesus as a Tree of Life (John 15:1, Genesis 2:9) and meditated on his glory in new and deepening ways. I recognized him as the Gardener (John 20:15-16) who brings all things to fruition.
As I met Jesus in the depths (Psalm 36:6, Psalm 139:7-10) he taught me to make the unknown my refuge and delight in mystery. Out of a hidden place, he progressively made the way straight for the future (Isaiah 45:2, Mark 1:3). He began to lift a banner on my behalf, bringing me people and resources (Psalm 92:10-15). He provided direction month by month through revelation in dreams, natural signs and wonders, and prophesy.
As I met him in the new house he is building for the nations, he made my foundation his clarity and settled peace. He gave me rest and took the time to explain some elements of his blueprints. During shaking, he lifted me up with a higher perspective and taught me to glide in the Spirit rather than to wrestle (Psalm 104:3). Locally, he has been equipping me for war through training in declarations, knowing when to contend, and being refreshed in private (Matthew 14:23; Mark 6:46–47; John 6:15). More broadly, he has backed me in leadership, allowing Generations of the Nations to flourish despite shaking. He keeps holding everything together both near and far, now and in the future.
When I was afraid of the amount of growth required, he told me that he would carry me into maturity.
When I was unsure whether my weaknesses would cause things to fall apart, he said that he would use even my limits to establish my life and ministry.
When I saw loss, he spoke gain! He gave me eyes for eternity and sang over me. He honored my decision to surrender, continually encouraging me so that I could manage to go lower still. He taught me that I have my own inheritance and that he delights in lifting me up.
As a child, I remember sitting in the middle of a church service, longing to be lifted up by His Spirit in a tangible way. I remember wanting to interact with his Spirit more comprehensively, longing for some sign of his manifest presence. Now, his saving help is so close. And more than that, I am not afraid of being lifted up or noticed because my eyes are on him. He has blessed me as much as I can bear. He keeps strengthening my insides so that I can retain the volume of goodness he has planned for the future.
2024: Christ, the Dawn
In 2024, I believe that Jesus will be rising as the Sun over the nations. I believe we will see powerful moves of God in Southeast Asia, with adoration for Jesus bringing different religious traditions together.
I believe that Jesus will also be rising as the Sun over Seattle. I believe that he will reveal his glory to them through the Holy Spirit, giving them living water to sate their spiritual hunger and thirst. Many will awaken from their slumber and begin to encounter God’s heights and depths. As he glorifies himself, I believe he will also glorify humble people with him, because they have made room to receive. The purity of heart that he’s formed in people will cause them to see God. I am praying that God manifests the full range of his character so that the people will have every reason to receive. I hope that Christians in the region are willing to surrender and receive the range of what God plans to do. And I hope that nonChristians are open to letting their spirits carry them into something beyond what they could ask or imagine.
Prayers for 2024
Over 2024, I am praying specifically…
- For God to do such a comprehensive work of integration. For God to integrate times and places, synchronously blessing my Seattle, United States context and the nations, streamlining present events and the future, to set us up for decades of fruit in ministry
- That 2024 be a truly bridging and expanding year
- That I will have practical help to learn how to fundraise and apply for nonprofit status for Generations of the Nations
- That even more effectual doors open up for ministry and that God holds all the logistics together
Age of the Unexpected 