Hebrews 12: 1 – 2a says, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,

The Christian life is always referred to as running a race.  (1 Corinthians 9: 24 and 2 Timothy 4: 7).  When running a race we must get rid of all that hinders our progress toward achieving success.  The junk – that is – the sin, unforgiveness or any one of the works of the flesh according to Galatians 5 that would hinder us in 2023, we must now reflect and do an introspection to identify what is in us that we need to throw away.

Unforgiveness is one of the main areas of struggle for many Christians.  Some are carrying this junk for years and are unable to let go.  Oftentimes it is the result of hurt from family members, relationships, church, work and social connections.  We must recognize however, that unforgiveness unhindered, hinders our prayers being answered.  It will stop healing and restoration.

Many say they can’t forgive or will never forgive because it is too painful.  Regardless of how painful it is, we must give it to God.  We cannot run a race going forward and backward at the same time.  The easy thing to do is to pray for the person that hurt us, ask God to set us free and remove all the junk.  Unforgiveness does not affect the person we can’t forgive, instead it poisons us, holds us back and weighs us down.

Things To Do To Move Forward In 2023

Pray without ceasing – many times, people get weary of praying very easily, but the prophets show us in the Bible that is more difficult to break a curse than it is to release one.  There are curses that need to be broken for rain to begin falling in our lives.

Keep Going – regardless of the circumstances, despite the hurts and pain you experience, keep going and follow through to the end.

Walk In The Fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5 and John 15 remind us that those who bear fruit, God will still prune so that they can bear greater fruit.  Prosperity is about bearing fruit.

Practice Biblical Principles – Malachi 3 and Genesis 26: 13 remind us what to do.  Even if there is famine in the land, we will prosper, continue to prosper and be prosperous.

Follow and Obey God’s Instructions – Deuteronomy 28: 1 – 14 clearly shows us that obedience to God’s instructions will bring great blessing.  We must therefore, be sensitive to His voice on a daily basis.  (Isaiah 50).

Be Available To God – You will never be empty, broke nor bankrupt once you continue to fill empty vessels.  By making yourself available to be filled so that you can fill up other people through mentorship, evangelism or whatever the Lord chooses, you will never be empty.  There is money in the fish’s mouth and those who catch fish will always be rich.

Follow Through – When God says strike the enemy, strike not 2 or 3 times but strike until you get victory.  (2 Kings 13: 15 – 19).

Be Consistent and Persevere – We need consistency and perseverance because without that we will lose hope and fail. (Romans 5; Romans 8)

Be Faithful – We must be faithful with the little so that God can give us the bigger things to do greater for Him.

Have Faith – Without it, it is impossible to please God.  (Hebrews 11)  Remember that Faith is our currency, and it comes with favor and changes the world.  It is not cheap talk, it is action.  While money devalues faith will not devalue.  Recession and Depression do not affect faith.

Study The Word – The Word of God is our constitution; it is our law. 

Walk in Your Calling – Ephesians 4: 11 speaks for itself.  Know your calling and fulfill it.

Seek The Lord Constantly – Matthew 6: 33 tells us why we should.

Discern – We must discern because deception is rampant, and it will get worse in 2023.

Don’t Focus on The Packaging, Focus on the Contents – Our blessings, victories and breakthroughs don’t usually come in the package we expect. 

Move forward this year without the junk.