It’s the time of year when we begin to look ahead and pay close attention to the desires in our heart, the hopes that we have, and the longings that have yet to be fulfilled. I personally love it, because I am so passionate about making space for clarity, but also because I think it’s an incredible opportunity to remember that what we want to do is only as mere reflection of what Jesus wants to do IN US.

When we think of all the right and good things we would like to experience for ourselves, the reality is they are a fraction of the good that God in his complete living kindness wants to do for us. And I think those moments of clarity that God gives us when we pause and think some of the logistical steps we might take to be the people called has called us to be, we are getting glimpses of Jesus asking us: “DO YOU WANT TO BE WELL? Do we want to be healed? Do we want to experience restoration? Do we want to be fruitful? Here are some steps to take.”

I was thinking about how the end of the year could find many of us like the paralytic man, who had been sitting outside the pool of healing for thirty-eight years, when Jesus entered the chat and bluntly asked him that very question: “Do you want to get well?”

In reply the man explained that he hasn’t had any help to get into the healing waters before him, so close but yet just insufferably out of reach. *This was part of a pagan ritual during the Hellenistic period. Read more about it HERE. Until Jesus comes close. Meets him where he is, and does what no religion, no worldly effort, or self-help book could accomplish: Jesus changes his life by saying, “Get up, take your bed and walk.” And no shocker here, the man does!

The end of the year can be a fresh wave of realization that we still haven’t been fully healed. There’s still more for us to do. There’s fresh longing in our hearts for more of what God has for us, but we can’t get there without Him.

The places we are looking for growth in the next year are not simply areas of our lives we would like to see progress—these are places where we need Jesus to do some work. These are places that you have come to the water’s edge on, but need to his help to take the next step. What’s equally important to remember is that because of what we’ve heard and seen Jesus do in the past we know we can trust him for the healing and abundance he offers.

So friends, as you pray over what the next year might look like for you, whether it’s in your marriage, your career, your rhythms, your strongholds, or whatever areas in your life could use His touch, picture yourself not just setting another goal, but reframing it as a prayer. As you create new rhythms that align with what he is stirring in your heart, setting new boundaries and taking concrete steps towards healing, what you’re really doing is saying, “YES, Jesus. I want to be well.”

We are saying:

“I want to be well in my mindsets.”

“I want to be well in my affliction.”

“I want to be healed from my toxic cycles of control.”

“I want to be freed from my slavery to productivity.”

“I want to be well in my body image.”

“I want to be healed in my relationships.”

“I want to be restored in my marriage.”

“I want to be fruitful in my work.”

“I want to be well in the fruit of the Spirit.”

And then, when he gives us clarity on the steps to take, may we take them joyfully and gratefully, friends. These are not just more new year’s goals anymore. No, these are steps towards experiencing God in new ways and living the abundant and free life God has for you. And I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way, taking steps with you!

Praying all the blessings for you as you take your steps towards living the whole and healed life God has for you, friends. Thank you so much for being here! I really appreciate you!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, friends! May the Lord bless you and keep you!

With so much gratitude,

Rachel