“You shall be blessed above all peoples; there shall not be a male or female barren among you or among your livestock. And the LORD will take away from you all sickness, and will afflict you with none of the terrible diseases of Egypt which you have known, but will lay them on all those who hate you.”
Deuteronomy 7:14–15 (NKJV)
In the church where I grew up, every crossover night (or New Year’s Eve service), we picked scriptures that were considered God’s specific word to us for the year we just entered. These scriptures would be written out in full, the book, chapter, and verses clearly stated, in a little paper, placed in a tray and passed round. I know it sounds random, but after praying and fasting for days ahead, there was nothing random about it. God was involved in the process.
It’s been almost 4 decades of this experience, and no matter where in the world I am, I would join the fast, and someone will pick for me (mostly my mom or those church Aunties I grew up with). In fact, we still did this a few days ago.
Not So Irrelevant
At the beginning of 2025, my mother received the scripture in our text today. Deuteronomy 7:14–15 (NKJV). This word came on January 1st, 2025. It came before her first doctor’s appointment. Before any full medical checkup. Before she felt anything unusual in her body. Before any diagnosis. Before any medical report.
As she confessed this scripture daily, her attention rested mostly on the promise of fruitfulness. She believed God for more grandchildren. So “non shall be barren in the land…” seemed more like God’s word. That next verse about sickness did not feel particularly relevant. She was healthy. Nothing appeared wrong. But she still declared it, to fulfil all righteousness, not knowing that the year ahead would test her health in ways she could not have anticipated.
But God knew. So He sent HIS word ahead of time. So that when she arrived at that point in her year, she would not be ill-equipped to fight or afraid. Because God prepared her heart before the challenge arrived. What looked like a general promise became a lifeline as the year unfolded.
What The Word
Beloved, this is January, 2026. If you are a Christian, chances are you attended a crossover service last night, physically or virtually. A pastor stood on the altar and proclaimed a word for the year. Declarations were made. You shouted “Amen.” And you agreed with heaven. Even if that word does not seem to fit your present situation, understand that God sends His word ahead of time. He is intentional about the seasons of your life. He does not wait for the situation to happen before He begins to run around to look for a way to create a solution. He does not react to events. He prepares for them.
I believe this is one of the ways God reveals Himself as our ever-present help in times of need. Nothing takes Him by surprise. He already knows what lies ahead, and He prepares you by placing His word in your mouth and in your heart before you ever arrive at the place where you will need it.
So what word has God given you for 2026?
Are you holding on to it? Are you declaring it? Are you confessing it daily? Put it where your eyes can see it. Frame it. Write it out. Paste it on your wall or behind your door. Let your eyes meet it every day. Declare it like your life depends on it, because it does.
Prayer
Father, I thank You for the truth of Your word. I thank You for the word You have given me for this year. I believe You have sent it ahead of me. I am not sure what this year holds, but I am grateful that you will not be surprised by my times and seasons. I pray that your spirit will remind me of your promise when I feel overwhelmed or unsure. I will be reminded of your word when I am overjoyed lest I forget to praise you. Thank you for your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Shalom
