Year in Review - Wednesday
TODAY’S VERSE
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. (NLT)
Well, it’s the last day of the year… happy New Year’s Eve!
Like Matt pointed out on Sunday, it’s the perfect time for a “Year In Review.” Some people love these—spreadsheets, journals, color-coded highlighters. Others would rather skip straight to the fireworks and party hats!
Either way, I made today’s devotional simple for everyone.
Before the clock strikes midnight, ask yourself ten questions.
Not to judge yourself… but to notice how God has been shaping you over the last 365 days. Here are ten questions to guide your reflection—each one tied to qualities God says matter most:
When did I choose joy in circumstances that weren’t joyful?
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” — Philippians 4:4
Was my spending shaped more by generosity or by comfort?
“Command those who are rich not to… put their hope in wealth but… to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” — 1 Timothy 6:17-18
Where did I practice forgiveness, or where do I still need to?
“Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” — Colossians 3:13b
What prayer did God answer differently than I expected, but better than I imagined?
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” — Isaiah 55:9
With my family, did I reflect God’s love and patience?
“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another… And over all these virtues put on love.” — Colossians 3:12b-14a
Whose burden did I help carry?
“Carry each other’s burdens…” — Galatians 6:2a
Did I use my gifts to serve the body of Christ this year? Where did I contribute, not just consume?
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” — 1 Peter 4:10
What habit or distraction did I notice pulling my attention away from God?
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” — Colossians 3:2
Where did I respond to a nudge from God with obedience?
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” — James 1:22
If everyone in my church shared Jesus as often as I did this year, would anyone come to Christ?
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” — 2 Corinthians 5:20a
APPLICATION
As the year closes, remember: You are not the same person you were in January 2025. God has been shaping you in ways seen and unseen, slow and steady, deep and real. End this year with gratitude for that. See you in 2026!
PRAYER
Father, I often don’t see how you are working in me. Thank you for the people and circumstances that you used to shape me this year. Help me to remember how your love and faithfulness is helping me to become more like Jesus. I have grown this year.
