
by Seneca Moraleda-Puguan
On the first day of January 2024, our family welcomed the new year in the simplest yet most unforgettable way.
It was our last day in the apartment we called home in South Korea- a place filled with memories, laughter, and growth.
Instead of the traditional countdown with friends, we spent the night clearing the rooms and packing our remaining things into boxes, preparing for the next chapter.
Our daughter, Callie, was down with a fever, adding another layer of worry to an already bittersweet moment.
The apartment was empty, stripped of the furniture and appliances that had been part of our everyday life. Our first breakfast of the year was humble: porridge from the nearby convenience store warmed in their microwave.
As we ate, the air was thick with anticipation, not only for the year ahead but also for the uncertainties it held.
My heart was heavy with questions: Where would this year take us? What challenges would we face? Could we find the strength to navigate the unknown?
Sitting on the floor with my family, I felt the weight of the unknown pressing down on me.
Little did I know, this simple start was setting the stage for a story of faith, perseverance, and grace that would unfold throughout the year.
A Year of Unfolding Grace
As the months went on, our family experienced both challenges and victories living in Switzerland. There were moments of doubt when it felt like the path ahead was blurred.
Yet, in those moments of uncertainty, we were reminded to take things one step at a time and trust that God was guiding us- even when we couldn’t see the full picture.
Eventually, we began to see the unfolding of God’s plans as we experienced one breakthrough after another.
Slowly, the anxiety that marked the start of the year gave way to quiet confidence – a growing assurance that God is at work behind the scenes.
From Humble Beginnings to Majestic Endings
Fast forward to December 31, 2024. There we were, standing in awe before the majestic Matterhorn, the iconic Toblerone mountain in Switzerland.
As the sun set on the year, we were overwhelmed with gratitude, amazement, and humility.
The beauty before us mirrored the goodness of God we had experienced throughout the year.
The journey that had begun on the floor of an empty apartment with convenience store porridge had led us to this breathtaking moment of awe and thanksgiving.
God had carried us through every trial, every fear, and every question, turning our doubts into declarations of His faithfulness.
Looking back, it became clear that the very struggles we faced earlier were shaping us for the blessings we would later receive.
Our family grew closer, our faith deepened, and our hearts expanded with gratitude. The lesson was undeniable: God’s plans are always greater than we can imagine, even when we can’t see them in the moment.
An Encouragement for You
If you’re starting this year with a heart full of anxiety, wondering what lies ahead, I want to encourage you: no matter how dim the future may appear, God has already gone ahead.
Faith requires us to trust in what we can’t yet see. It’s in those moments of waiting, praying, and hoping that God is preparing something good.
He sees your struggles, hears your prayers, and holds your future securely in His hands.
In every season of my life, I’ve held onto a theme song to encourage myself and remind me of God’s promises. This year, it’s Danny Gokey’s “Haven’t Seen It Yet.” The lyrics resonate deeply, offering fresh hope and anticipation for what’s to come:
“It’s like the brightest sunrise
Waiting on the other side of the darkest night.
Don’t ever lose hope, hold on and believe—
Maybe you just haven’t seen it yet.”
Perhaps you’re in a season of waiting and praying like we were at the start of 2024.
Maybe you’ve been pouring out your heart, hoping for a breakthrough and still see no answers. But I urge you to hold on.
God’s promises are true, and His love never fails. He is faithful. He is the God of breakthrough.
A Vision for 2025
As you step into 2025, my prayer for you is this: may you find renewed hope, joy, and anticipation for the blessings that are ahead.
May you discover that God is working all things together for your good, just as He did for our family in 2024.
The pain and uncertainty of today may blur your vision of tomorrow, but remember that in the darkest moments, God’s faithfulness shines brightest.
He is working behind the scenes in ways you can’t yet comprehend. Just as He brought our family from a season of packing and porridge to one of peaks and praise, He will carry you through.
Hold on. Greater things are coming. Your breakthrough is closer than you think.
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