Disclaimer: This isn’t an end of year review.

“Awake sleeping soldier, your time is now…”

Dear reader,

This is my message to you in 2024, The year of awakening. I would love it if you kept it somewhere where you can always go back to it. Somewhere that is obvious. Let it be a reminder, let it always rejuvenate, and let it reside in you.

The year 2023 is gone, and a lot probably happened. Either good or bad. It may have been joyful for some and terrible for some. It may also have been the regular year. Whatever it was, the year is gone.
Personally, 2023 was a trying year for me. It was up, down, down, down, down, then up, and it sustained a plateau. Picture the graph I just described, and you can understand and maybe relate.
Everyone is going through something, and we all have that one thing that people can’t understand but only God can.

And this is the message I bring to you today.

The message of salvation.
The message of God.
The message of Christ.

You must have heard it before, and you may not have ever heard about it. The son of God who died for your sins over 3000 years ago. I know it doesn’t sound logical; your scientific brain cannot piece it together, but there is one thing I can proudly beat my chest and say: Jesus exists, and he died for you and for me.

‭‭2024, the year of awakening 

John‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

And to those who have heard about this Jesus before and think you know it, after all, you can say John 3:16 from your heart. You think you have given your life after all you said the prayer 5 years ago, but your life is still the same, with the inconsistencies between your actions and the word of God (the Bible). This message is also for you.

I bring you to the story of life that became man so that he could die and give you that life.
The salvation story to me is an oxymoron. Life had to die to give you life. To give me life.

The first step to your awakening is this salvation.
You can do your introspection and be honest; I am not watching you, and I am not seeing you. You know what you do in the open and in secret, and Jesus wants you to let him in. He wants to help you if only you just let him in.

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3:20‬ ‭NLT‬‬
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”

Reflect on these words, and if you have decided within your heart that you’re ready, just say this prayer:

“Dear Lord,

I come before you with a humble heart, acknowledging my need for salvation. I recognize that I am a sinner and in need of your forgiveness. I believe in your Son, Jesus Christ, that He died on the cross for my sins and rose again. I repent of my sins and ask for your mercy and grace.

I invite Jesus into my heart to be my Lord and Savior. Please cleanse me, renew me, and guide me in your ways. Thank you for your love and the gift of eternal life. I surrender my life to you, and I choose to follow you from this day forward to shine your light in all I do.

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen.”

Now the main matter. 2024, The year of Awakening.
Most of us have been hibernating, but that hibernation is gradually turning to deep sleep, coma, and now a vegetative state.
How long will you continue to remain in mediocrity? How long will you continue to bury those talents? How long will you allow your life to fade away gradually? No impact? No progress?
This is where most of us aren’t honest. If you’re a child of God, recently adopted or long-time, your destiny isn’t at the bottom of the food chain. You are meant and destined for greatness. In whatever place or capacity God has placed you. You are made for more.

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:14‬ ‭NLT
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

As a child of God, your progress should be measured by God, not the world.
What is your God-given and God-ordained purpose?
Why were you born?

I apologize for my tone, but this is a charge that I want you to remember.
Aren’t you tired of going round in circles?
There is so much more! So much more!

You have wasted so much time writing down plans, with no execution.
This is the time to act! Wake up for goodness’ sake and take that action. Take that step.

And yes, this charge is also for me.

It is time to let the world see the power of God.

You might start January with so much energy, but then it’s June, and your energy level has dropped to -5, and you’re back to square one.
That is why this message will need to be inscribed in your heart.
It is God that will give you the grace for consistency, but you must choose and decide to act on it.
Let me say something else: I know life has given you lemons, I know life has dealt some horrible cards, and I cannot imagine the extent of the trauma, but there’s a secret I will let you in on: you have a choice.
Will you remain in this cycle forever? Are you going to keep blaming them? Are you going to keep giving excuses? You are not helpless.
There is a song I love so much, and that song helped me during a dark period of my life. A line from it says, “Holy Ghost, stay in me and do wonders.”

There is an endless possibility of what God can do through you, but the time is now. No more postponing, no more procrastinating.

2024, the year of awakening

The last sentence is my prayer to you:
Move in the name of Jesus!

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:14‬ ‭NLT‬‬
“For the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”


From me to you with all my love, 

Ayokunle.

If you gave your life to Jesus or rededicated your life while reading this post, If you also have questions, contact us at our email: theoliveebranch0@gmail.com 

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