Turning the Pages

Written By: Frieda Dowler

A friend and I were talking about the coming year, and she commented, “Last year was like flipping through the pages of a book.”

I realized how appropriately that described 2025. It went by so fast that I recall only the significant things, and not much in between them.

Right now, we have a unique time and space, between the old year and a new year. During this time, comes a challenge to reflect on the past, release what’s in the way of growth, recommit and surrender to God, and resolve to grow spiritually.

At Victory each week, we are encouraged toward spiritual growth, and that doesn’t happen by accident; it happens by making decisions that help us grow. So, get a notepad and bullet point a few things as reminders, so you can look back to measure your growth. Let’s turn the pages in 2026 and make it a story worth remembering.

Below are some prompts to help get you going:

Reflect: Look back over the past year with honesty and ask a few questions.

· Where did I grow spiritually? Or did I resist spiritual growth?
· Which relationships stretched me?
· Did I accept God’s grace or continue to strive for perfection?
· Did regret hold me back, or did I learn from my choices?

Release: Look forward and release what no longer serves God’s purposes.

· Unhealthy habits and attitudes
· Bitterness, fear, or unresolved hurt
· Old patterns that hinder spiritual maturity
· Holding a grudge toward a person, or even toward God

Recommit: Develop God-pleasing habits in our relationships. Spiritual growth is often shaped through relationships. Other people in our lives provide the opportunity to grow spiritually.

· Practice patience, humility, and accountability.
· Imitate Jesus through everyday interactions.
· Learn commitment–not perfection–in marriages, families, friendships, and at church.
· Choose love over pride in conflict.

Resolve: Live your faith in practical ways in order to move from belief to action.

· Serve others quietly.
· Act with integrity and respect.
· Speak with kindness.
· Prioritize prayer and scripture reading.

A simple prayer for the year ahead might go something like this:

God, I want to grow closer to you, love more freely, and live with intention. I desire to seek your wisdom before my own understanding, and that my life would reflect your grace. I want to step into this next year with faith, not fear, believing that every step forward, when guided by you, is a step toward becoming who you have called me to be. Help me grow spiritually and to be a light in this dark world, so others will know your presence. AMEN.