Photo was taken on our recent trip to Scotland.

Another year behind us. A year filled to the brim with domestic and international trips, numerous projects, and a host of speaking engagements. As I look back, I see yet another year phenomenally blessed by the Lord. Some would call it a very successful year… but success comes at a price. There were times that “I lost it” and I had to apologise, and ask for forgiveness.

So why do I end the year feeling like I am pecking with the chickens instead of soaring like an eagle*? Because if Satan can’t stop you, he will push you. Too many appointments, too many projects, too many trips, too little time….

This was also a year where many of us lost friends and loved ones, and sickness surrounded us. It is draining, stressful, worrisome, and sad. In moments like these I often find myself saying, “Lord, I’m feeling down and I just don’t know what to do.”

But God…

God teaches us not to give up, but to look up. And Nico, may I remind you of your very own words: it is in the desert your character is formed, not at the carnival. And I realise that I learn very little from success, I only learn from my mistakes, from problems, from adversity. I am reminded of what Spurgeon once said: “Unchecked prosperity is not from God.”

And when things are “checked,” it usually comes in a form we do not expect, and we certainly don’t like!  It is often upsetting, stressful, can be devastating, and sometimes very, very personal.

But these are the very times we should press even deeper into the Lord, seeking Him with all our heart (Jeremiah 29:13). And then we will hear Him say:

“I am the Lord your God who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.”  (Isaiah 48:17)

And if you don’t know what to do, Nico, ask Me! For I have promised –

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,
who gives generously to all… but when you ask,

you must believe and not doubt.”  (James 1:5–6)

And then, Nico, you will see that:

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.”  (Psalm 32:8)

Thank You, Lord.

An Invitation to Seek the Lord Together

Since 1988 our family has had the privilege of going to our beach house every Christmas and New Year. I use this time to press into the Lord in a different way. While everyone is still sleeping, I spend a bit more time in prayer and in His Word, expectantly waiting on Jesus for a word, also for the year ahead. He has never disappointed me and at time even surprised me.

I would again like to invite you to join me this December seeking the Lord with all our hearts, whether you are at home, at work, or on holiday. Let’s press into the Lord together: for our country, our families, our work, our joys (and there are many) and whatever burdens we are carrying or fears that we might have. Let us ask Him for guidance for the year ahead, so that we too may soar like eagles… trusting in the Lord and not leaning on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

May God bless you richly in the days to come.