Time To Make A Move

January 2026: Devotion 2

Luke 3:2-4 (NIV) "during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him..”'"

At the top of the year, I feel the nudge to make a move—to walk out in faith what God has given me to do. I feel empowered. Believe me, 2025 came with some challenges, but I believe it was full of moments of preparation.

As I was reading through the Gospels, I was led to start the year in Luke 1, 2, and 3. As I read, I was drawn to how John the Baptist’s birth was aligned to prepare the way for Jesus. He couldn't come forth until it was time for Jesus to come forth. Timing! Timing is so important. It reminded me that our seasons are not just connected to us being "successful"—they are actually aligned to bringing the Will of God, the Kingdom of God, to fulfillment on Earth.

Can you reflect on that? Consider that your business idea, your position at work, the small prayers you lead with your family, and the kind acts you do for strangers are pivotal parts of the Body of Christ that fulfill the Kingdom of God on Earth. Even within your friendships, marriage, and areas of service these are areas where you are walking in purpose.

As that sinks in, I want you to consider two different phases. Are you in:

1. The Wilderness of Preparation: This is where we are built up for the assignment. In this season, we learn how to be led by God; it is the classroom where obedience is taught.

2. A Season for a Faith Move: A "Faith Move" happens after we have been prepared and God is urging us that our time is now. This means being empowered to follow God's instructions despite how things appear. Remember, faith is often linked to trusting God despite what you can naturally see.
   

A new year signals that one time has ended while another has begun. While I feel so empowered to make a move, I want to encourage you to do the same. This might be a move to take action toward preparation, or a move of faith in action. Remember that John the Baptist began proclaiming a word no one had heard. That lets me know his preparation time with the Lord was pivotal to building the trust that eventually led to his faith move. Preparation is just important as faith in action. Both require faith.

I would like you to take a deep breath in... and let it out. Remember, there is an appointed time for every area of your life, so do not be dismayed at wherever you find yourself. Now, take some time to identify the place you are in (Preparation or Faith Move in Action), and once identified, follow the steps below:

Reflection & Action

Write down the specific instruction God has given you to do. Then, list three steps you can take in faith this week to begin preparing the way.

1. _______________________________________

2. _______________________________________

3. _______________________________________

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

You have birthed us for such a time as this. You make no mistakes, and we thank You for being the God who orders our steps.

Now, as we have entered the top of the year, we ask that You give us the boldness to step out on faith toward building up Your Kingdom through our God-given assignments. Some of us are still in the phase of preparation, while others need to make a move. Whichever phase we are in, we pray that we will receive the strength and the power to move in You.

Remove all fear, laziness, and lack that often discourage us from moving forward. May we receive fresh eyes, fresh strength, fresh endurance, and fresh momentum. Give us the excitement we once felt in the beginning when we first walked with You. We speak bold steps will come forth, faith leaps, and continual consistency in our walk.

Let this year be a year of faith moves in You. Still our hearts to hear Your voice and follow it with obedience. Let your Kingdom come in these moves we make for your glory. 

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen.