Kris Vallotton • January 3, 2018

Why (and How) a Lousy 2017 Doesn’t Have to Define Your 2018

As everyone looked back on 2017, I noticed most people put their highlights on display for the world to see. I love the celebration but couldn’t help but think of those watching on who couldn’t say the same for themselves. I myself had some big wins in 2017 but also walked through some pretty rough valleys. It was the first full year since my mother passed away, so it was the first Mother’s Day without her on earth and it’s been a process walking through the grief of her passing on to heaven. Beyond that, I’m sure we are all aware of the tragedies that happened on a global scale this year: shootingsand natural disasters to name a few. We even had a shooting occur in one town over from Redding!

Whether you have a strong 2017 highlight reel, or maybe yours was one you needed to really search for the gold, I want to encourage you that 2018 can be a year of breakthrough! The truth is that even if you walk with radical faith and outrageous courage, you sometimes go through seasons when the mere frequency of things going wrong in your life can be discouraging and overwhelming. One of the worst things that can happen in difficult seasons is that you begin to expect things to go wrong. Expectation is the fruit of faith. In other words, you believe things are going to go wrong, and therefore you empower destructive outcomes. Simply put, by faith, your life sucks!

DID A CRAP YEAR CAUSE FOREBODING IN YOUR LIFE?

Of course, all of us have been surprised when something unexpected went wrong in our lives, but it’s important that you don’t turn bad circumstances from 2017 into a season or lifetime of cynicism, and subsequently invite a foreboding spirit into your life.

Foreboding means, “an impending sense of doom.” It’s the feeling that something is always about to go wrong. If you’re having a good day, you fear a bad day is coming. Once this spirit grips your soul, you always prepare for the worst so you won’t be disappointed. You usually aren’t disappointed, because you believed and therefore received a negative outcome. Sound familiar?

WHEN THE WRECK IS NOT YOUR FAULT

I have watched this negative ecosystem play out in so many people’s lives. For example, years ago I had a woman working for me (I will call her Jane) who was in a car accident. She was sitting at a stoplight, minding her own business, when a drunk driver plowed into the back of her car. It destroyed her car and gave her a terrible case of whiplash. But the worst thing was that Jane began to fear that she would get in another accident. Her fear was extenuated by the fact that she was a victim in the first car accident. This caused Jane to feel powerless to avoid another accident because she didn’t do anything to cause the first one.

A couple of years passed, and just as Jane was starting to feel normal, she got hit again at a stoplight. Not only did the crash re-injure her back, but it also intensified her fear of accidents. Jane worked for me for five more years, and in that short time she was involved in four more auto accidents. Do you know what the craziest thing about this was? Not one of those accidents was her fault! I don’t mean that Jane blamed her bad driving habits on other people; I am saying that none of her six auto accidents had anything to do with her driving.

Jane’s fear of another accident caused her to believe that she would crash again. So my question for you is: what fears are you carrying around from 2017 that could cause you to crash again in 2018? Fear is actually faith in the wrong kingdom. Since she lived by faith, Jane empowered the kingdom of darkness to torment her. I am convinced that this is how people jinx themselves. Yet Jesus died to break the curse over our souls and give us abundant lives!

9 KEYS FOR BREAKTHROUGH IN 2018

Here are nine keys to breaking the negative ecosystem in your life and embracing faith going into 2018:

1. Look for Jesus in the midst of your troubles. He tends to hang out in hard places. Look back and see where He was even in the hard times. Remember He won’t leave you in the New Year.

2. Meditate on God’s past miracles and works in your life, not on your tragedy.

3. Cultivate thankfulness in your heart no matter how you feel about last year. You don’t have to give thanks for everything, but know who you are and whose you are. Then you can give thanks in everything. Make a list of things you’re thankful for from 2017.

4. Avoid the misery-loves-company syndrome by disciplining yourself to hang around happy people , even when you don’t feel like it. Ask God to highlight a few people that you can invest more time with in 2018.

5. Pray in the Spirit, because you are “building yourselves up” when you do (Jude 20).

6. Take a mental vacation every day in the New Year. Give yourself permission to take a break from thinking about life’s challenges, and cultivate some happy thoughts.

7. Remind yourself that these circumstances will not last forever . Even if your circumstances aren’t immediately changing with the calendar (which, being real, many may not change right away), the Bible frequently says, “It came to pass.” In other words, it came so it could pass . . . this season will end.

8. Don’t forget that everything works out for good in the end. So if it isn’t good, then it isn’t the end (Romans 8:28).

9. Refuse to partner with any thought that doesn’t inspire hope because any thought that doesn’t inspire hope is rooted in a lie. You have the mind of Christ, so don’t allow any thought in your mind that isn’t in His. Take inventory of the thoughts that run on replay in your mind, filter them through hope, and throw out the ones rooted in lies!

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2018

These are not quick fixes but ways to process life so that you don’t let go of God’s promises in the midst of your problems. Today, instead of focussing on your fears I want to encourage you to take some time to imagine all the good that God can do this year! Let’s break away from foreboding and embrace the abundant life I believe He wants us all to walk in this new year. Was 2017 a tough year for you or your family? How do you see these steps playing out for you in this New Year? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

< Older Post

Newer Post >

THE BLOG

Discover more blog posts

Finding Purpose in Pain: The Hidden Gifts of Suffering

By Kris Vallotton • October 22, 2025

When life hurts, God is closer than you think. Learn how suffering shapes your soul and reveals His presence in your pain.

Kathy's Mother's Day Message

By Kathy Vallotton • May 10, 2025

As Mother’s Day approached, I knew there was no one better to speak into the heart of motherhood than my wife, Kathy. Her life has been a living picture of grace, sacrifice, and Spirit-led strength. I believe her words will bless you the way her life has blessed me. Kris - Today, I want to honor the incredible women who wear the title of “Mother” with grace, strength, and unwavering love. A mother is a guiding light. She illuminates our paths with wisdom and warmth. She is the gentle hand that nurtures us in our earliest days, the fierce protector who stands by us through life’s storms, and the unwavering supporter of our dreams. Many times, Mom, our sacrifices go unnoticed. We juggle countless responsibilities, often putting our own needs aside to ensure the happiness and well-being of our family. That’s just what Moms do! My joy has always come from serving others. What some people call exhausting, I call invigorating! Even when my kids were young, I can't tell you how many sleepless nights I've had, comforting one of my babies because, ‘only Mommy will do.’ Love wins every time! But love has stolen my heart over and over again. In the good times and in the bad, Jesus has always been by my side, my solid rock and my firm foundation. He has been there beside you too! That big “S” that you wear on your chest didn't happen by accident. The bible says that He will never leave me or forsake me. During all of my laughter and through my many tears, He has always guided me in every situation. So when you feel weak, remember He is right by your side. When you don't think that you can move another muscle, He is your biggest cheerleader. When you get into a spot where life feels like more than you can handle, take a look at what the Lord says about you! You are Tenacious. Your perseverance is remarkable. As a Mom, you consistently push through obstacles with unwavering commitment to your goals. You are Courageous. Mom’s often take bold steps, stand up to what they think is just, even when faced with opposition or adversity. You can do this! You are Radiant. The love of Jesus shines brightly to all those who you come in contact with, inspiring positivity and hope. You are Unstoppable. Mom, once you set your sights on a goal, you exhibit an unwavering drive to help your children pursue their dreams and desires. You are Fierce. With a spirit that is unyielding, as a Mom, you will protect your family at all costs. You are Inspiring. Moms believe in their kids. We believe that all things are possible with God and encourage our families to go where no child has ever gone before! Mom, you are the architects of our character, teaching us values of kindness, empathy, and resilience. With every hug, every word of encouragement, you instill in us the confidence to pursue our passions and overcome obstacles. Your laughter brings joy to our lives, while your tears remind us of the depth of your love. As a mom myself, I celebrate not just the role you play but the remarkable individuals you are. You are the heart of the family, the keeper of traditions, and the source of unconditional love. Each moment shared, each lesson taught, and every story told weaves an unbreakable bond that shapes who we are. To all mothers, whether near or far, biological or chosen, your impact is profound and everlasting. Today, we celebrate you, not just for the love you give, but for the incredible people you are. Happy Mother’s Day! Kathy Vallotton

Character and Gifting: Favor with God and Favor with Man

By Kris Vallotton • March 5, 2025

Have you ever felt called to a spiritual role but struggled to find your place in it? Perhaps you've experienced a divine moment where God revealed a prophetic gift in your life, yet you found yourself wondering why others don't seem to recognize or acknowledge it. This tension between divine calling and human recognition can be one of the most challenging aspects of walking in prophetic ministry. I've spoken with countless individuals who believe God has called them to be prophets, yet they feel frustrated when church leadership doesn't immediately recognize their office. They often share powerful testimonies of divine encounters or prophetic words that confirmed their calling. But here's the beautiful truth I've discovered: authentic spiritual authority requires both divine appointment and human recognition. Scripture shows us that even Jesus "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men" (Luke 2:52). This powerful verse reveals an important principle – spiritual authority flourishes at the intersection of Heaven's approval and earthly recognition. The Bible offers us profound wisdom about this journey of walking out our prophetic calling. Let's explore three essential principles that can help you navigate this path with grace and wisdom. 1. Understand the Process Between Anointing and Appointment King David's story provides one of the most powerful examples of the gap between divine calling and public recognition. When Samuel anointed David as king, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him powerfully – yet David didn't actually become king for fourteen years! During that time, he served faithfully, developed his character, and waited for God's timing. The journey between your prophetic calling and your public commissioning is not an accident – it's divine design. This season of preparation builds the character, wisdom, and spiritual maturity needed to carry the weight of prophetic authority. Just as David was anointed three times – once by God through Samuel and twice by the people – your prophetic gift may require multiple confirmations. Remember that if you have favor with God but not yet with leadership, pushing for recognition prematurely can lead to painful experiences. As Proverbs 18:16 reminds us, " A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. " Allow your gift to create the space for your ministry rather than trying to force open doors that aren't ready to receive you. 2. Avoid Self-Promotion and Political Maneuvering It’s important to realize that even though your gift is what gets you into the room, your character is the thing that keeps you there. There's a stark warning in Scripture about gaining influence through manipulation rather than divine timing. Absalom, David's son, shows us the danger of winning people's hearts through flattery, false promises, and undermining leadership. He created a following by positioning himself as more accessible and understanding than the established authority. In today's social media age, the temptation toward self-promotion has never been stronger. We can easily build platforms that elevate our image above our character. But true prophetic authority doesn't come through marketing yourself as an expert – it comes through humble service, consistent character, and divine timing. James 4:6 reminds us that " God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. " When we push for recognition prematurely or through manipulation, we may gain a position but miss the protection that comes with proper promotion. Like Joseph, who shared his prophetic dreams prematurely with his brothers, our lack of wisdom can create a much more difficult path to our destiny than God intended. 3. Embrace the Preparation Process The weight of the prophetic office is both invisible and substantial. I've witnessed many genuinely called individuals crumble under the pressure of premature promotion. The apostle Paul wisely instructed that leaders " should first be tested and then let them serve " (1 Timothy 3:10), and warned against laying hands on anyone hastily (1 Timothy 5:22). True preparation for prophetic ministry involves more than just having accurate prophetic words. It requires developing spiritual maturity, biblical understanding, relational wisdom, and emotional health. If you sense a prophetic calling on your life, embrace the preparation process with patience and humility. Serve faithfully where you are. Allow trusted leaders to speak into your life and development. Study the Scriptures diligently. And remember that the process between the promise and the palace is not just necessary – it's a gift that prepares you to succeed when your time comes. My prayer for you is that you would find peace in God's timing for your prophetic journey. May you grow in both favor with God and with people, allowing the Lord to develop in you the character needed to carry His voice with integrity. Let me be clear- the path to your prophetic purpose isn't just about reaching a destination – it's about becoming the person who can faithfully steward the authority that comes with it.

NEWSLETTER