Shalom my friends! Are you ready for 2024? I know I am! Especially because this past year came with some pretty intense challenges. It was a warfare! I know of others that went through some difficult situations and I’m sure for some of you as well.

In my own personal life, I experienced two accidents almost back to back. A hit and run, and the other, a motorcycle accident which resulted in a broken foot. And that one happened the same day Israel was attacked on October 7th. Go figure! Maybe some of you asked the Lord as I did, what in the world is going on?

While for me personally, I received a few spiritual lessons out of what I went through, I really sensed the warfare was something more, meaning on a corporate level. And after seeking the Lord about all that had happened, His response made perfect sense to me. The challenges that all of us experienced were more about a higher purpose; God is preparing His Body for a greater faith specifically for the coming days.

I was reminded of the parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25. Five prepared and had oil for their lamps and the other five did not. The five that didn’t prepare, missed the bridegroom, who was Yeshua. And at the end of the parable, Yeshua said, “Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.” What a sobering thought!

I believe we are in a time where God is requiring us to prepare, which means you may go through some growing pains that will cause your faith to grow IF you allow Him to stretch you.

Some people will stay in the same place with no growth because they don’t want to tap into the unfamiliar. This causes you to get uncomfortable and for some, that’s too much of a price to pay. And unfortunately, these will be the ones that will not be prepared. But for those who will follow, meaning fall-low, and humble themselves and allow God to prepare them, these will be the ones who will have oil in their lamps.

These will be the ones that will discern His leading and follow no matter the cost.These will be the ones that will rise up and not go with the flow or even the culture within the church. You may look like you lost your marbles, you may be misunderstood, or even be persecuted. But it’s ok, you’re in good company. (Matthew 5:12)

Friends, get ready because your enlargement was not in vain. Yes, I believe the Lord will repay us for what the enemy took from us in 2023. Yes, I believe He will do exceedingly, abundantly, all that we could ask or think. But the greatest blessing out of all that happened is the greater faith we are now equipped with to become all that He created us to be and to follow Him wherever He leads us to go and He will continue to make us ready for our soon coming King!

“…He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;“
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Happy and blessed New Year to all of you!

Big hugs and shalom,

Ellen (Brucha)

PS- Would love to hear from you! Feel free to leave a comment.