Did You Thrive in Twenty-Twenty-Five?

Life can be unpredictable and often feel unfair. As a result, we may face setbacks that lead to increased doubt and discouragement. This discouragement can create a mindset that the past year was a waste. However, before adopting that mentality, remember that even though you may not be where you want to be right now, you are also not where you used to be. The growth means that the blessings of God's goodness and your perseverance are paying off in ways you may not yet see.

You didn't just survive this past year; you thrived. Some remained faithful and kept commitments, while others returned to the Lord with sincere repentance. Perhaps some deepened their dedication and reaffirmed their convictions in the Scriptures. Regardless of your position, by God's grace, you thrived in 2025. While you may be waiting on God and unable to see it, He is working in and on you. There has been unseen growth taking place, which means you were thriving on the inside, and that is where all genuine growth begins.
Consider the Chinese bamboo tree, one of the most remarkable plants on Earth. Once the gardener plants the seed, he will see only a single shoot emerge from the bulb—for five full years! During this time, that tiny shoot requires daily nourishment and water. Despite the gardener's care, the visible shoot grows less than an inch during those five years. However, at the end of this period, the Chinese bamboo performs an incredible feat: it can grow an astounding ninety feet tall in just ninety days!

Now, ask yourself this: when did the tree actually grow? Was it during the first five years or those last ninety days? The answer lies in the unseen part of the tree—the underground root system. During the first five years, the fibrous roots spread deep and wide beneath the surface, preparing to support the tree's eventual height.

Likewise, God is cultivating your character and resolve amid all circumstances. You may not see it now, but being faithful this past year, even when you didn't feel like it, will help you reap a harvest of blessings next year. Remember, God is faithful, and He always finishes the work in us that He starts. Philippians 1:6 declares, "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."