End of Year Reflection: Surrender and Alignment
End of Year Reflection: Surrender and Alignment
By: Autumn R. Finklea
Closing Out 2025
Is it just me, or has this year flown by? As we move through the winter holiday season, we also find ourselves approaching the end of 2025. Like many, I’m intentionally reflecting on what went well, what didn’t, and what I’m believing for in 2026.
Lessons from 2025
One of my biggest lessons this year has been learning how to surrender my plans for God’s plan. In that surrender, I launched my first devotional and blog, and I had the privilege of ministering to groups of women. Through those moments, I shared how God used my breast cancer journey to draw me closer to Him—and how He continues to reveal Himself through my story to encourage others.
Anchored in Scripture
As I look back, I’m reminded of a truth that has carried me: Romans 8:28. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
For so long, I prayed that God would take away hardship and pain. After all, who really wants to sign up for struggle? Yet over this past year, I’ve learned more about sitting with God—sharing challenges He already knows about, asking Him what He might be trying to reveal, and seeking how He can get the glory. I’ve also learned to be honest with Him, admitting that I don’t want to walk through certain valleys, but trusting that He is with me in them.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As I look ahead to 2026, I have some things I prayerfully want to pursue, goals I want to accomplish, and I’m excited to fill the pages of my new planner. Most importantly, I am believing for alignment. I want to align with my God-given assignment—even if that means surrendering comfort and embracing what feels foreign. Because if foreign means I am aligned with God, then I can step forward with confidence, knowing that whatever the call, He has already equipped me.
For now, I will keep writing, keep blogging, and keep speaking.
Reflect
How about you—what comes to mind as you reflect on 2025?
As you compile your list of goals for 2026, I dare you to invite God in. Invite Him to add or remove as He sees fit. It’s bigger than change—it’s alignment.
Prayer
God, thank You for all that You have blessed us with over this past year. Help us to pause even now and acknowledge that, through both the good and the hard, You have been faithful. As we step into 2026, posture our hearts to be willing and surrendered to Your perfect plans. Remind us that nothing is better than being aligned with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture References
Proverbs 3:5–7 (NLT)[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.[6] Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.[7] Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)[9] We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
