2025 was a great year of breakthroughs. It was also a disappointing (yet eye opening) year as the Lord exposed my weaknesses and shortcomings to a greater degree. As I approached the end of the year it became very clear that God had been faithful in fulfilling his promise of Jubilee, however in my lack of follow through on my initial promise of doing my part, the year fell short of my expectations. The “saving grace” to this story is that my loving, gracious Daddy (heavenly Abba Father) extended my “Year of Jubilee” until my “Hit the Bricks at 66 / 33 Jubilee” on August 25, 2026.
Those who have been following my story know that in 2019 I was given the promise of the return of the 30 years that I had squandered beginning on my birthday in 2020 (60/30 Celebration). With that promise I was given the challenge of getting my body under control. My end of the agreement was to focus on fitness and lose 135 pounds to get back to what I weighed when I hit 30 in 1990. By God’s grace, and the sweat of my brow, I did it. That was to be the launch point of many things. However, it was also my responsibility to not only maintain this achievement, but to keep moving forward toward the ultimate goal of weighing what I did on my wedding day in 1984 (a loss of an additional 45 pounds).
Bottom line: I not only failed to maintain the first level commitment that I made, I have drifted back up to a weight that is now once again hindering me from freely fulfilling the call on my life. This is why I am still waiting on the Lord as he is waiting on me.
Before moving forward in sharing this journey, I am going to reach back and pick up where I left off by sharing what I shared back on January 15, 2026…
…7 Year Promise: Path to my “Year of Jubilee”: Part 12: Hit the Bricks in ‘26 (1/1/26)
Posted on January 15, 2026 by Eric Raby
“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19 ESV)
“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:3-6 NLT)
“It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.” (Hebrews 11:8-10 NLT)
Well my friends, another year has rocketed by. As I do every year, from about Thanksgiving through New Years Day I sought the Lord’s guidance in establishing a theme and goals for the upcoming year. Since 2022 I have been playing “hurry up and wait” with the Lord. That has been especially true when it comes to fulfilling the assignment that he gave me as a traveling teacher.
Last year (2025) the Lord provided the vehicle that will become my “mini-home on wheels.” He clarified the assignment and by the Holy Spirit guided me in the writing and publication of a booklet to give away while traveling. This booklet introduces the man, ministry, mission, and message that are Refire To Inspire International Ministries. Early in 2025, everything was ready. I was willing and able. We had passed “on your mark” and “get ready.” I was convinced that the next thing that I would hear is “go.” But instead the word that entered my spirit was, “no.” So once again I was waiting on the Lord.
After being placed on hold, I began asking the Lord what the wait was meant to accomplish. I have learned through the years that when I am “waiting” on the Lord (letting him set the timing) I am to “wait” on him (serve him while I am waiting). I have also learned that many times while I think I am ready and thus I am waiting on him, there is something in me, or in the things around me, that are not actually ready and he is waiting on me. This time it was the fact that he wanted me to stay longer in the community, and go back to the church that I had left 40 years earlier. I did not finish what he wanted me to do all those years ago. He said “no” in order to have me finish what I had started.
This brings me to the theme assigned to 2026…
…”Hit the Bricks in ‘26!”
I am anticipating (in the expectation of hope and faith) that 2026 will continue to be a year of breakthroughs as well as a year of new beginnings. Hitting the bricks represents getting to work in my local church, local community, and traveling ministry. I have been called to tell people about Jesus as I partner with the Father to expand the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth (here and now) in Norvell Township, Jackson County, Michigan, and throughout the United States.
“He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:7-8 NLT)
My place is to be ready. The Lord sets the dates and times. While I wait, I will work.
What about you?
Do you know what your assignment is?
Are you ready and waiting?
While you are waiting on the Lord, wait on him.