As we end 2020 and enter 2021, we can take a moment to look back and also look ahead.

Is there a thing of which it may be said, “Behold, this is new?” It has been long ago, in the ages which were before us. Ecclesiastes 1:10 (World English Bible, WEB)

2020 was riddled with challenges and demonic attacks on practically every front. As we look back, we can choose to focus on the hardships, which I am tempted to do myself, or we can take an objective look at what we gained during the year. And, yes, despite the problems, there have been gains. As a matter of fact, most of the gains are BECAUSE of the problems. You see, the enemy always overplays his hand. God always wins and the devil always loses. This time he tried everything- and he has lost big time.

Because the enemy tried to shut up the church through the use of a pandemic, she has become stronger. She has found new ways to connect. We have indivudually had more time to focus on God and to reset our priorities. By quaratining us, the devil gave us time and space to seek God like never before. He didn’t count on his plan backfiring like it has, but it has given each of us time to prepare for the coming spiritual outpouring. Ha ha, devil!

Because the enemy has tried to sow seeds of division and strife in our nation, we have seen more clearly than ever the people who are on the Lord’s side and those who are not. According to the Bible, you’ll know them by their fruits. When we see people rioting and committing acts of violence and try to say it is in the name of justice, we can clearly see where people really stand. Especially, when the very homes, businesses, and dreams they destroy belong to the groups of people they claim to stand for. As a result, we are able to see more clearly the battle between good and evil. As a body, we have begun to pray against and issue decrees against the very demonic forces spurring these kinds of activities. And as we continue into the new year, we must continue to take spiritual authority and do so without relenting. We have authority in the earth over these principalities, and we have learned much about spiritual warfare in 2020.

Because the enemy has tried to steal this election in order to take down the republic and remove our freedoms, the church and others have awakened and unified. The American church has long been plagued with division and petty differences. But now, we have a common goal- to preserve the nation that was dedicated to God, and as a result, maintain the religious liberties that have set us apart as a people. As we fight the good fight in the spirit and in the natural to right the injustice that has been perpetrated against us, we are one in purpose. And a unified church is the devil’s greatest fear. And we have not given up the fight and we are not about to do so.

Because the enemy has been so visibly active, we have seen a renewed interest in the prophetic. And the voices of the prophets are strong and more unified and cohesive than ever. As the devil has tried to create confusion and every evil work, God has been speaking through His prophets with clarity. And the words they have been speaking are words of hope and promise, not doom and gloom. If you want to look at a number of prophetic utterances by proven prophets, I encourage you to go to the Elijah List website (elijahlist.com).

Because the enemy has attacked with a viciousness we have not seen in some time, we can be assured that great things are ahead, because the greatest attacks come before the greatest breakthroughs and blessings. As we look to 2021, we have hope. A new year is always about hope; hope for the future and the possibilities we envision ahead. As we seek God and prepare to enter 2021, let’s remind ourselves how faithful God has been and how faithful He will continue to be in the future. Great things are truly ahead for the coming year, so be hopeful.

Goodbye 2020, and hello 2021!