Stepping Barefoot Into The New Year

Stepping into the New Year at Links: Expectant and Ready for the Adventure Ahead‍

As we stand at the beginning of a brand new year, there’s a feeling that stirs in our hearts - an excitement, an anticipation, a sense of wonder at all that lies ahead. At Links, we are entering this new chapter with great expectancy for all that God is going to do in our lives, in our organisation and in communities all around the world.

This year, we feel the call to step forward boldly, trusting that God has incredible things in store. No fancy shoes, no carefully planned routes, just a heart ready to step out barefoot into the unknown.

‍Barefoot: A Symbol of Boldness and Vulnerability‍

To step barefoot is to step with humility and vulnerability. It's a choice to be open to whatever the journey may bring. It’s an invitation to be present, grounded in the here and now, with no need to rush or be distracted by the trappings of comfort. Barefoot living means we’re not afraid to walk on ground that might feel unfamiliar or even challenging at times. We know that growth happens in the discomfort, and it’s often when we step out of our comfort zones that we truly experience God's provision and guidance.

As we look ahead, we don’t want to be paralysed by uncertainty or held back by fear of the unknown. Instead, we choose to go barefoot into the adventure, trusting that God will guide our steps, no matter how rocky the terrain or how uncertain the path ahead may seem.

In Exodus 3:1-5 when Yahweh appears to Moses from the burning bush, He asks something that we don’t often fully appreciate, but that Moses would have been well aware of the significance of. “Do not come any closer,” God said.“Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” In the Ancient Middle East, servants, weren’t permitted to wear sandals in the presence of those that they served. Moses obeys, signifying his complete submission, identifying fully as a servant of God. Later God would say to Joshua, “I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.” (Joshua 1:3) Notice again the focus on ‘feet’ -not sandals, sliders, boots or even Nike Jordans! God calls us to Barefoot Faith, to a place of surrender.

Expecting the Extraordinary‍

There’s something deeply exciting about walking into the unknown with eyes wide open, ready to see God move in ways that surpass our wildest imaginations. At Links, we are expectant - not just for the big moments of victory and breakthrough, but for the small, quiet moments where God speaks, moves, and shapes us. We know that He is working in all things, and we believe that 2025 is going to be a year full of divine appointments, growth, and transformation.

As we step into the year together, we are reminded of the words from Ephesians 3:20: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” We believe God will do more than we can ask or imagine - through our individual lives, through our church family, and through the collective adventure we are all a part of. We don’t want to miss a single moment of what He’s doing, and we’re ready to embrace each step with gratitude.

Together on the Journey‍

One of the most beautiful things about the adventure ahead is that we don’t have to walk it alone. At Links, we are in it together, on a shared journey. As we step forward, we step together.

Together, we can hold each other accountable, push each other toward the things God has called us to, and celebrate the victories along the way.

A Year of Adventure‍

So, as we look to the horizon of 2025, we are filled with anticipation. We are excited for the new relationships, the new challenges, and the new opportunities that God will bring. We are ready to step out barefoot, trusting that He is leading us into something truly amazing.

Our hearts are open, our spirits are eager, and our eyes are fixed on Him. The adventure is just beginning, and we are ready to take that first step - together.