As the year draws to a close and the weight of global, national, corporate and even personal pressures hang heavily over many hearts, Scripture invites us to look again at a timeless truth: God has always walked with men and women who dared to believe Him in impossible times.
Hebrews 11:32–40
Hebrews 11 paints a breathtaking mural of ordinary people who became extraordinary because they chose to cling to God with unwavering trust. They were not all prophets or priests. They were farmers, warriors, judges, homemakers, rulers, shepherds, craftsmen, widows, and merchants. They lived in palaces and caves, in bustling cities and in lonely deserts. Some conquered kingdoms; others endured persecutions. Some saw miracles; others were sustained in suffering.
But they all had one thing in common:
They carried the presence of God into their everyday lives.
They never separated their spirituality from their work, their calling, or their season of life. Whether on the battlefield, in a marketplace, in a classroom, or in a quiet home, they lived with the consciousness that God was with them.
Beloved, this is our invitation too.
You may be a teacher, artist, parent, nurse, banker, entrepreneur, student, or civil servant—your “secular” assignment is not separate from your spiritual walk. In God’s eyes, there is no divide. You carry His light into every environment He places you in.
In 2 Corinthians 4:10 Paul says we “always carry about in our body the dying of the Lord Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be made manifest in us.”
This is the quiet beauty of our faith:
Even when we are pressed, Christ’s life pushes back. Even when we feel empty, His glory fills the gaps. Even when situations feel life-threatening—emotionally, financially, relationally—His resurrection power finds expression in us.
Many of the men and women listed in Hebrews 11 faced dark valleys. Their lives were often on the line. They were misunderstood, opposed, betrayed, abandoned. Yet they remained planted in society—not running from their generation but shining within it.
They overcame because they kept God in front of them.
According to Galatians 3:26–28, this is not a calling for a select few.
It is your calling.
It is my calling.
It is the calling of every child of God.
Neither gender nor background, nationality nor social status disqualifies anyone from being used by God.
All God needs is your yes.
All heaven requires is your faith.
Jesus declared in John 11:40, “If you believe, you will see the glory of God.”
As this year draws to a close and perhaps the global and national economy paints a bleak picture, the words of Jesus stand unchanged and unshaken: Your belief is the doorway to God’s glory.
Yes, circumstances may look tough. Yes, the year may not have unfolded exactly as you envisioned. Yes, certain prayers may still be in process. But your dedication to God—your decision to keep believing, keep praying, keep working, keep showing up—will carry you through.
The heroes of old obtained a testimony not because life was easy, but because faith kept them going when sight failed them. And so will you. You will not end this year in shame. You will see God’s goodness in the land of the living. You will finish with grace, strength, and surprising breakthroughs.
Walk with this assurance:
God is not done with this year.
He is not done with His promises.
He is not done with you.
Keep your heart steady.
Keep your eyes lifted.
Keep your hands to the plow.
Your faith is working. Your dedication is not in vain.
And as Jesus said,
“If you believe, you will see the glory of God.”
May hope rise within you.
May faith steady your feet.
May perseverance crown your year.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
With Love, Esinam.
Virtuous Living 