Make This Year Count: Faithful Leadership

Equalla Foster
18 hours ago
4 min read

As January draws to a close, I’m in my office listening to soft instrumentals and reflecting. It’s the first month of a new year, but does that mean “new year, new you?”

I've spent the past few weeks pondering 2026—wondering about the great things ahead. These are things I know the LORD has for me, and things I desire too. Yet in it all, I keep coming back to this: remember your why? What is the purpose of pursuing these things? Or better yet, who is the reason for your why?

Make This Year Count: Faithful Leadership — The Quiet Rise Series

For those who are not new to our Inspire To Hope community, you may be familiar with this purpose statement, as we reference it quite often each year. The ‘why’ represents your mission statement, and the ‘who’ embodies your vision.

Consider the reasons behind marrying and starting a family, entering a particular career field or business, or pioneering a specific ministry. Think about the beneficiaries of your decisions. Reflect on whether God receives the glory and whether those influenced by your leadership can benefit from it.

A new year does not create a new you— discipline and commitment do. A new year is a reminder to continue running your race with endurance, as you have completed another year behind you and are pressing into a brand-new one. Yes, you may learn a new skill or language, yes, you may start something you have never seen done before. Yes, you may continue to grow more into the likeness of Christ Jesus—and that is the main point. But your mission and vision remain the same.

We see throughout the Bible that each story we read features real people navigating life with real problems. And for those with the desire to please God, their life mission and vision became in sync with their Creator. Daily habits saturated in faith to help overcome challenges and draw closer to God.

Have your plans, write them down, and make them visible. But take it a step further by making plenty of room for God’s plans. Invite Him to your planning party. Include Him in your morning meetings with yourself. And though I can’t promise how your year will be, I can assure you this. You can never grow or go wrong with God. Doing leadership His way is the key to real success. Having a personal relationship with Him is the ultimate goal. Discipling others is the best mission and vision to have.

I know my why, and I see the vision, and you know what? I see you. Flourish in the capacity that God has given you. Do the hard things. Face your fears. For I see strength and boldness coming upon you as you walk in the authority of Christ. And I am so glad to be part of your journey. Team Inspire To Hope is here to help you as a leader through encouragement, equipping, and empowerment. We offer group coaching, training events, prayer support, online operations management, and a variety of resources to guide you through your leadership journey.

Leader, if you remember nothing else from this post, I hope this resonates: do not sabotage your life or anyone else’s for temporary gain. Consider how you will steward your roles, time, resources, and leadership. Reflect on how Inspire To Hope can support you this year to help you stay on the pathway to success in life and godliness that pleases God. After all, Jesus warns us in Mark 8:34-37, “Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, 'Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me, and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for? [Message Bible].

As we move forward into this year, make this year count! Let us do so with a clear purpose, unwavering vision, and hearts fully surrendered to God’s leadership. No matter the challenges and unknowns, lean into your calling, steward your influence well, and remember: true success is found in faithfulness. May you continue to flourish, lead boldly, and inspire hope wherever you go. Together, let’s make this year one of lasting impact and deeper trust in Him, and let any newness come from that.