A NEW YEAR, NEW DISAPPOINTMENTS: Still the Same Unshakeable Savior
- Dr. Jackie Minor
- 8 minutes ago
- 4 min read
The past few days have been…interesting. I’ve been forcing myself to do something I’m honestly not very good at—year-end reflection. I don’t slow down easily. I’m usually so laser-focused on what needs to be done next that pausing to look back feels unproductive. However, I know it matters.
I vividly remember my first year as an assistant superintendent. Near the end of that year, I walked into my superintendent’s office with a long list of future tasks, ready to sprint into the next phase. She listened and then gently said, “Before we begin what’s next, I want you to go back and make a list of everything you’ve accomplished this past year.”
I wasn’t thrilled. It wasn’t because we hadn’t accomplished anything. Deep down I knew we had; however, my mind was already on the next mountain to climb. Still, I went back to my office, made the list, and honestly, I was stunned. I had no idea how much had actually been completed. I walked back into her office with new eyes, and she kindly reminded me, “You need to take time to reflect. See what’s been accomplished. Feel the joy of it.” I’ve never forgotten that wisdom, even if I haven’t always practiced it.
Fast-forward many years, and here I am again, trying to do the very thing I often avoid. As I look back, I am amazed not at what I have done but at what God has done and allowed me to be part of. I’m thinking especially about the work of Victorious Educator Ministries. Yes, there is still so much ahead, but God has done truly incredible things this year. His presence, provision, and sovereignty have woven together a beautiful testimony of His faithfulness.
I’ve learned that looking back on God’s faithfulness gets us ready for what’s ahead. A new year usually brings a few challenges of its own, and often the very thing that threatens to pull us off course is disappointment. It shows up almost daily. Some disappointments are small; others hit hard.
Circumstances disappoint us (e.g., our health, finances, job situations).
People disappoint us (e.g., colleagues, administrators, students, friends, family).
We disappoint ourselves.
As educators, we know these moments well. While the world celebrates January as a clean slate, our new year often doesn’t feel like it starts until August. Even so, stepping into 2026 gives us a fresh invitation to remember where our strength truly comes from and who goes with us into every hallway, classroom, decision, and challenge.
This is where we must guard our hearts. Disappointment becomes dangerous when it turns into discouragement. That usually happens when our hope leans on things that are inconsistent—people, systems, circumstances—rather than on the steady presence of Christ. As believers we are not anchored in the unstable but in our unshakeable Savior.
In Him we find hope (1 Peter 1:3–6).
In Him we find love (1 John 4:10).
In Him we find peace (Isaiah 9:6; John 16:33).
In Him we find joy (John 15:11).
In Him we find power (Matthew 28:18).
In Him we find victory (1 John 4:4).
If we place our hope anywhere else this year, disappointments will take the upper hand. They will steal our peace, our joy, our clarity, and our purpose. Jesus did not come for us to live that way. He came to this world so that we could live with unshakeable hope, lasting peace, enduring joy, and a sustaining power that comes from Him alone.
So as 2026 begins, let’s do two things.
1. Let’s reflect on God’s faithfulness in 2025.
Every good thing we accomplished happened through His presence and power.
2. Let’s prepare our hearts for what’s ahead.
There will be challenges. There will be disappointments. There will be moments we fall short. However, we cannot lose hope because Jesus does not change. He is our stable, secure, immovable anchor. Because of that truth, this new year can be full of good things—growth, hope, service, courage, unexpected blessings, and His presence in every part of the journey.
God has so much He wants to do through you in 2026. I’m confident that when you pause next December to look back, you’ll be amazed at all He has accomplished over the course of the year. Let’s step into this new year with excitement, anticipation, and confidence that our unshakeable Savior will lead us through every disappointment and every victory.
Happy New Year!
A Prayer for the New Year
Jesus, thank You for Your faithfulness through every season. As we step into 2026, help us anchor our hearts to You, the One who never changes. When disappointments come, remind us that our hope, joy, peace, and power are found in You alone. Strengthen every educator reading this. Equip them for the classrooms, conversations, and challenges ahead. Let this be a year marked by Your presence and Your victory. Amen.
If You Want Support on Your Journey
Subscribe for free at www.victoriouseducator.com for encouragement and resources.
Check out our new book: Taking Jesus to School: The Fruit of the Spirit on Display.
Join our Facebook group for community, prayer, and support.
Walk into 2026 with us, full of anticipation for all God is going to do.
Comments