What We Know For Sure About 2026

As we prepare to enter the new year, there are an endless number of unknowns. And for those of us who feel a bit like we’ve been through a gauntlet of fire in 2025, the question marks over the coming year might loom large. What will become of the conflicts faced in wartorn countries around the world? What will unfold within our own country? Will the people that I love still be here next year at this time? Is my marriage going to be in a better place next year than it is now? What will happen with the situation my child is struggling with? How will sickness and suffering touch the lives of my family and friends? Is God going to do something about the things I’ve been waiting for? Will I see Him finally answer the prayers for my family that I’ve been begging Him about? If I am answering these questions honestly, I have to admit that I simply don’t know.

Instead of ignoring the question marks, I’ve found that acknowledging them helps me move beyond my anxieties about the future to the God who is already there. What do I know for sure about 2026? 

God will continue to be the true King, ruling over all (Psalm 103:19). 

God will continue to be the ultimate Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). 

God will continue to be a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). 

God will continue to be with me, never leaving me or forsaking me (Deuteronomy 31:6). 

God will be faithful to continue the good work He has started in me and in my family (Philippians 1:6). 

God will continue to meet my needs (Philippians 4:19). 

God will continue to hear my prayers (Psalm 91:15). 

God will not run out of grace for me (2 Corinthians 12:9). 

God will fulfill His purpose for me and His love for me will endure (Psalm 138:8).

There is a lot I don’t know about the year to come. But what I do know about God leads me to believe that He is good, and I can trust Him. That is some pretty good news as we head into 2026!

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Should You Start The Adoption Process in 2025?

 

Is adoption something you’ve wanted to be a part of but haven’t been sure when and how? Has the Lord been drawing you towards becoming an adoptive parent? If so, you might be wondering if 2025 is the year for you to jump into the process. Is this the right time? How will you know for sure?

While I wish that I had the ability to confidently tell you what you should do, no human can tell you if it’s the right time to adopt. That is ultimately between you and the Lord. Thankfully, He really does love to guide and direct His children! 

Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” God wants us to come to Him. He wants to give us mercy and grace. He wants to help us in our time of need. Right now, if you need His direction, draw near to Him in prayer and ask Him for help. You can confidently trust that He will give you grace!

Yet, receiving His mercy and grace to help in time of need doesn’t necessarily mean that He’s going to make the answer you’re waiting for crystal clear. Even after asking Him to lead, we’re often left to use wisdom as we make decisions in this lifetime. But I’ve got good news for you– even while we need to use wisdom, God is eager to help provide it. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” The wisdom that you need in order to decide if 2025 if the year for you to step into the adoption process will be given to you by God. What does that look like?

When my husband and I were praying about when to start our first adoption, I so badly wanted a big flashing neon sign saying, “NOW!” I wanted God to show us in an unmistakable way that it was the right time for us to start the process. I didn’t want to make the wrong decision (especially as we didn’t even have enough saved to complete our home study and it was an enormous leap of faith financially). We did come to His throne of grace. We did ask for His help and for His wisdom. And He did provide it. But it didn’t come through something flashy. It was more like a quiet confidence He provided as we asked Him to lead us. 

As we filled out paperwork with our adoption consultant, I panicked and asked my husband, “Wait! How do we know for sure that this is the right time?” I’ll never forget His answer. “We’ve gathered information and prayed and talked and sought counsel from important people in our lives. Each step we’ve taken has led us to continue. This is another step of faith, but as best as we can tell, it seems like this is where God is directing us.”

Sometimes, God does give a really obvious and resounding “NOW!” as you ask Him for wisdom. I’ve seen that come for couples through an anonymous check in the mail for exactly what they need to start their process. I’ve seen that wisdom come through couples bumping into adoptive families who all use the same consultant. I’ve seen the wisdom come through couples hearing sermons at church that God uses to assure them in their decision. I’ve seen it come through the Holy Spirit leading people to specific scriptures that are exactly what they need in that moment. There isn’t a “one size fits all” way that God gives wisdom to us as we ask, but He is faithful to give it. 

If you’re praying about if 2025 is the year that God wants you to begin your adoption journey, I would love to join you! Please don’t hesitate to reach out so that I can pray for you by name as you’re asking God for wisdom.

(Photo credit: alyssasieb)

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