Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see. John Newton wrote the song, Amazing Grace, in the year 1772, 

Today, as I sit and think about the year 2024, one word comes to mind: goodness. Scripture says Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever (Psalms 23:6), and I fully believe that now. It was not until the end of the year that I understood this. As the year ended, I wondered, “Lord, what happened this year? It seemed so out of place.”  

While many things felt chaotic, God was good through every trial, challenge, and loss. He was teaching me to trust Him and have faith in His plan. I learned to see Him in the little things and to be grateful for every moment. Over the past year, we have lost cherished family members and friends. There were times when we went from a funeral to a wedding right after. It was a constant ebb and flow of loss and gain. 

We also experienced joyful moments when both my son and daughter graduated from college. Yet, we then faced the loss of my aunt. Throughout these experiences, I have learned that life involves an ebb and flow of challenges and promises. It encompasses grace and truth, as well as joy and pain. Psalm 23 offers a powerful reminder of this. David declares, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. You are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” 

In this passage, the valley symbolizes the twists and turns that life presents to us. We gain the wisdom needed to navigate the next curve only when we seek God’s presence. Often, our ability to see what lies ahead is limited. Nevertheless, throughout the bends and twists of the valleys, God has always been good. 

Throughout 2024, I can confidently say that God was always with me, never leaving me to face anything alone. It was His grace, freely given, that helped me through challenging times. For example, when a hurricane threatened our state as a potential Category 5, we had to pack up and leave our home. We faced uncertainty about whether we would have a place to return to. During this time, we remained steadfast in prayer, not just for ourselves but also for our families and friends who were left behind. 

Then came the threat of a second hurricane. At that moment, I found myself asking, “God, what’s going on?” Yet again, God proved to be faithful. Many in our community lost everything, and my heart went out to them. Through Hope Ministries’ community outreach, we managed to supply personal care items, food, clothing, and water. Remarkably, God continuously looked after us, never allowing our home to be compromised. 

What I learned last year is that God’s goodness consistently prevailed. He faithfully cared for all our concerns, even through painful losses and the storms that raged against us. We faced many challenges and obstacles that attempted to hinder our experience of His presence. Yet, despite it all, His goodness continued to show up in our lives. If you are struggling to see this, I pray that God will open your eyes. I hope you come to understand just how good He has been to all of us. 

Perhaps we did not get everything we wanted. Something was delayed, a check did not arrive, or a plan fell through. This could mean that it simply was not part of God’s master plan for our lives. I must accept that when there is a loss, it often feels bigger than my ego can handle. I need to lay it at the altar. I will worship God as I leave it there. I will allow Him to turn what is now ashes into beauty. His plan for our lives is far greater than we could ever imagine.  

The Prophet Jeremiah speaks to the people in chapter 29, verse 11. He says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. These plans are for welfare and not for evil. They are meant to give you a future and hope.  

As we move into the year 2025, let us recognize that God is good all the time. We should understand that all the time our God is good! Both the New and Old Testaments remind us of His goodness. It is part of who He is, and He created us to show His goodness to those around us. We can witness God’s goodness every single day—in how He guides us, protects us, and shows us favor. The goodness of God is a promise that believers can rely on, no matter what season we find ourselves in. As Smith Wigglesworth said, “God always assures us of His protection. “God’s canopy is over you and will cover you at all times, preserving you from evil.” 

John 1:14 reminds us, “For from His fullness, we have all received grace upon grace.” This divine grace empowers us to run our race with patience and persistence, enabling us to fulfill the work of the Kingdom of God. So, no matter the call, assignment, or challenge, grace is always available. Remember, “God gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). His grace is sufficient, and His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). God’s grace truly is amazing! It is an undeserved favor; we have done nothing to earn salvation or any other good thing from God. Yet, He gives it to us anyway.  

As we welcome this new year, let us wholeheartedly embrace the joy and take time to reflect on these powerful verses throughout the year. Join us in celebrating our annual theme for 2025: “God’s Amazing Grace.” Engage with our weekly devotional, “Grow,” and allow your heart to be filled with gratitude for this incredible grace. May God the Father and our Lord Jesus the Anointed shower you and your families with overflowing grace and peace. Here is to a blessed and impactful New Year, Family! 

Sincerely,

Monica T. Founder/President of Hope 1 Ministries, Inc.

Because of the favor of God, we can have peace during chaos.