Stepping Into Deeper Waters: A Testimony for 2026
Theme: From Asking to Acting — Faith With Works
Opening Declaration
Family, as we step into 2026, I stand before you with a snorkeling mask on—not because I’m playing in shallow waters, but because I’m ready to go deeper.
Deeper in faith.
Deeper in obedience.
Deeper in purpose.
“Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” — Luke 5:4
In 2025, I was asking.
I was seeking.
I was knocking.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” — Matthew 7:7
But in 2026, I am not just asking—I am acting.
I am not just praying—I am moving.
I am not just believing—I am walking it out.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7
Faith Requires Movement
Faith is not passive.
Faith is not stagnant.
Faith does not sit still waiting for conditions to be perfect.
“Faith without works is dead.” — James 2:17
If you want a harvest, you must do something.
You must plant.
You must water.
You must tend.
God honors obedient motion.
The Seed, the Soil, and the Season
Let me talk to you about seeds.
When you plant a seed, it does not announce itself.
It does not come up labeled.
At first, it looks like every other seed.
An orange seed can look just like a lemon seed.
But once it begins to sprout, the leaves start telling a different story.
And in due time, the fruit reveals the truth.
“So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground… and the seed should spring up and grow, he knows not how.” — Mark 4:26–27
Growth is not instant.
Purpose is not rushed.
Calling is revealed over time.
“Do not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9
Examine the Soil
But here’s the truth many don’t want to face:
Not every seed grows—not because it’s bad, but because the soil isn’t right.
“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” — Luke 8:15
The soil represents:
Where you’re planted
Who you’re connected to
What you allow to nourish you
What drains you
Some of my seeds in 2025 didn’t grow—not because I didn’t try, but because I didn’t yet have everything needed to sustain them.
And that’s okay.
Failure Is Not Final
I am not afraid to fail.
Failure is not defeat—it is instruction.
“The steps of a good person are ordered by the Lord… though they fall, they shall not be utterly cast down.” — Psalm 37:23–24
You either:
Learn and grow, or
Go back to the drawing board and seek clarity
Because you are not here just for yourself.
You are here for divine purpose.
Minding My Business & Staying on Assignment
In 2026, I am minding my business—
God’s business.
I am staying on assignment.
No distractions.
No unnecessary explanations.
No detours.
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3
If you’ve gotten to know me—congratulations.
That access is intentional.
I walk in gratitude for every encounter, every conversation, every soul crossed on my path—because I have learned that sowing good seeds into people’s lives multiplies beyond measure.
“One plants, another waters, but God gives the increase.” — 1 Corinthians 3:6
Not a Clique—A Calling
This is not a clique.
This is not a private circle.
This is intentional community.
“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” — John 12:32
Healthy conversation.
Mutual respect.
Light meeting light.
A beautiful soul radiating from the sun—
pointing us to the Son.
From Pain to Power
I will no longer talk about my pain without talking about who healed me.
“He has given me beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” — Isaiah 61:3
God turned my pain into power.
He met me in my midnight.
“At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns… and suddenly there was a great earthquake.” — Acts 16:25–26
My breakthrough came at midnight.
My deliverance came when it looked darkest.
Closing Declaration
So welcome to my 2026 world.
Get ready for the ride of your life.
I am being equipped.
I am being refined.
I am being sent.
And I will not stop—
until God calls me home.
“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” — Philippians 1:6
To God be the Glory. 🙌🏽
Atara Estes, ICHW Strategist | Evangelist in Training | Mentor | Advocate | Coach
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