What Can You Learn from the Past Year

A Response to "What Can You Learn from the Past Year?"

A Year of Wonders

The past year was not just another year; it was a year of wonders, a year of the supernatural, a year of God's demonstration of power in signs, wonders, miracles, heavy anointing, and the tangible presence of the Living God. Many experienced it. Those who desired it received it. God was not distant; He was near. He was not silent; He was speaking. He was not passive; He was moving. The year was marked by demonstrations of the Spirit and of power, not in persuasive words of human wisdom, but in the power of God. This was not a year for mere theology; it was a year for encounter. It was not a time for intellectual agreement; it was a time for supernatural experience.

The Demonstration of Power

Paul declared that his speech and preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that faith would not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. This is the kind of faith that the past year called forth. It was not a faith based on reasoning or arguments; it was a faith based on what God did. He gave power over unclean spirits, authority to cast them out, and ability to heal all kinds of sickness and disease. The same power that was given to the disciples is available to us. The same authority that Jesus granted to the twelve is ours in Christ. The past year reminded us that the Gospel is not just a message to be believed; it is a power to be experienced.

The Number of Grace

The number 2021, when added together, equals five, the number of grace. Grace is unmerited favor—God giving us what we do not deserve. The four digits also carry meaning: zero represents nothingness becoming something; one represents the ONE true God; and two and two represent a double portion. The possible interpretation is that the ONE true God shall bring forth nothing to something in a double portion manner, all because of His grace. This supernatural creative force was at work throughout the year. God took situations that seemed empty and filled them. He took circumstances that appeared barren and made them fruitful. He gave double for the trouble, double for the shame, double for the loss. His grace was sufficient, and His power was made perfect in weakness.

The Double Portion

Grace is when God gives something we do not deserve. When someone receives a double portion, he gets a gift twice as much as that given to others. We see this in the life of Elisha. He asked Elijah for a double portion of his spirit, and he received it. He then went on to perform twice as many miracles as Elijah. This is not a promise for everyone, but it is a possibility for those who ask with a pure heart. The past year demonstrated that God is still in the business of giving double portions—double blessings, double favor, double restoration, double fruit. But the double portion must be stewarded with humility. It must be received with gratitude and used for God's glory.

Don't Steal His Glory

When the double portion comes, remember: don't steal His glory. God's glory is His honor, splendor, and dignity, and He will not share it with anyone. Isaiah 42:8 declares, "I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols." When God works in power, the temptation is to take credit. The temptation is to think that we are something special. The temptation is to draw attention to ourselves. But we must resist. Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's. The glory belongs to Him alone. He is the source of every miracle, every sign, and every wonder. We are just vessels. He is the power. He is the glory. And He will not share it.

Final Reflection

The past year taught us that God is still moving. He is still demonstrating His power. He is still giving grace and double portions. But He is also still jealous for His glory. So let us learn from the past year. Let us desire His presence, seek His power, and receive His grace. But let us also remain humble. Let us give Him all the glory. Let us never forget that it is not about us; it is about Him. He is the ONE true God. He brings nothing to something. He gives double portions. And He deserves all the praise.

Prayer for the New Year

Lord, I thank You for the wonders and supernatural demonstrations of the past year. I thank You for Your grace and for the double portions You have given. Help me to always give You the glory. Do not let me steal what belongs to You. I desire Your presence and Your power, but I desire Your glory even more. Let the coming year be marked by even greater demonstrations of Your power, and let all the praise go to You. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.