As we come to the closing of 2025, we all need to be both challenged and encouraged regarding 2026. Sometimes it is good to just take a moment with a deep breath and remember that no matter what is going on in the world and around us … God is in charge and He has plans for His children. Here is an example reflecting just that from John’s book of Revelation concerning what he saw and heard about “what you have seen, the things which are, and the things shall be hereafter” as addressed in Jesus’ letters to the churches.

Consider Jesus’ promised blessings to His bride for her faithfulness … Makarios: supremely blest, fortunate, well off, blessed, and happier.

 Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Rev 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Rev 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

Rev 19:9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Rev 22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

What an awesome promise of being blessed if we will faithfully face the challenges He has set befor us as we walk through this life with Him. Let us all faithfully stand on those promises in the face of all the enemy is throwing to us … Knowing that the promised blessings overshadow the challenges.