February 2026 – The Month of a New Beginning of Faith

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

RESTED AND THANKFUL

To the only wise God, the omnipotent, the omniscient, and omnipresent be the glory, honor, and adoration. On February 1, 2026, my retirement from working with the state of Ohio begins. Two decades and more—from November 8, 2002, to January 30, 2026—is not just a career. It is a testimony. A journey marked by God’s sustaining grace, His unfailing presence, and His faithful leading through every season. As this chapter of working with the State of Ohio closes, gratitude rises like incense because the Lord has been good, steady, and true to my family and me.

A Journey Carried by God

Through long days, challenging assignments, victories, transitions, and growth, one truth has remained constant: “The LORD has been my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped.” — Psalm 28:7. Every year served, every life touched; every responsibility carried was undergirded by His wisdom and His peace. What could have been overwhelming became manageable because God was present.

Rested in His Faithfulness

Retirement is not an ending—it is a divine pause, a holy rest, a moment to breathe deeply and acknowledge the One who has carried me. “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” — Exodus 33:14. This rest is not merely physical. It is spiritual, emotional, and purposeful. It is the rest that comes from knowing that I have run the race with integrity, diligence, and grace.

Thankful for His Goodness

Looking back, gratitude flows freely, for strength when days were long. Thankful for the favor that opened doors, for the wisdom that guided decisions. Thankful for protection through every season and for the impact made in others’ lives. Like the psalmist, I can boldly declare: “The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” — Psalm 126:3

Stepping Into a New Season

Retirement is not a withdrawal—it is a release into new assignments, new expressions of purpose, and new dimensions of grace. “The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” — Proverbs 4:18

The same God who sustained me for 23 years and 2 months in public service now is ushering me into a season of refreshing, renewal, and divine opportunities.

The Sacred Spark: Thankfulness ignites faith for new beginnings.

A heart that finds its rest in the Lord (Psalm 62:1) naturally overflows with gratitude. When we cease our striving and enter His rest, we cultivate the soil for a spirit of thanksgiving.

A rested heart becomes a thankful heart. A thankful heart becomes a believing heart.

Gratitude as the Catalyst for Faith

In the Kingdom of God, gratitude is not a reaction to a miracle; it is the precursor to one. These biblical foundations show us that “giving thanks” is the bridge between our current need and God’s future provision.

The Power of Multiplication: Before the miracle of the five loaves and two fish, Jesus did not wait for the baskets to be full; He gave thanks while the supply was still insufficient (John 6:11). His gratitude paved the way for the “more than enough.”
The Confidence of Completion: Even while in chains, Paul thanked God in advance for the work He was doing in others. He knew that gratitude is the ultimate expression of confidence that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:3–6).
The Strength of Praise: Abraham did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of a child in his old age. Instead, he “was strengthened in his faith as he gave glory to God” (Romans 4:20). Praise was the fuel that kept his hope alive during the long wait.

The Kingdom Principle: Thanksgiving is faith fertilizer. It enriches the “good soil” of the heart (Luke 8:15), preparing it to receive the seeds of a new beginning and a supernatural harvest.

PRAYERS

Lord, thank You for the rest You gave me—now strengthen my faith. Father, I thank You for the season of rest You provided. Thank You for restoring my soul and renewing my strength. Let gratitude prepare my heart for greater faith. Let Thanksgiving silence every fear. Let peace anchor my spirit so faith can flourish. I step into this new beginning rested, thankful, and ready to continue believing. Amen.
Father, in this new beginning, enlarge my capacity to believe You. Hebrews 11:1 says faith gives substance to what we hope for. Lord, let my faith rise above fear, doubt, and past disappointments.
Lord, I believe—help my unbelief. Jesus, You declared in Mark 9:23 that all things are possible to him that believes. I step into this year with the confidence that nothing is too hard for You. Every area where I struggled to believe last year—renew my faith. I declare that this year, possibilities will open because I believe. Amen.
Father, let Your Word be the foundation of my faith. Your Word says in Romans 10:17 that faith comes by hearing. Lord, increase my hunger for Scripture. Open my ears to hear You clearly. Open my heart to receive Your truth deeply. Let Your Word shape my decisions, my mindset, and my expectations. As I meditate on Your promises, let faith rise within me daily. Amen.
Lord, give me faith that moves, faith that acts, faith that obeys. Father, I refuse passive faith. I receive active, obedient, courageous faith. Give me the boldness to step out when You speak. Give me the confidence to move even when the path is not fully clear. Let my obedience unlock new beginnings this year. Amen.
Lord, I expect new things because I believe in You. Father, You said, “Behold, I will do a new thing.” I declare that this year will not resemble the old. New doors will open. New opportunities will emerge. New strength will rise. New testimonies will manifest. My faith is rising, and I expect Your goodness in every area of my life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.