What begins as a lighthearted reflection on childhood dreams quickly turns into a prophetic and piercing word for the new year. In this first message of 2026, Pastor Ezra Stanton names the subtle erosion that happens between January’s ambition and October’s reality. It’s not that people intend to quit. It’s that they give up a little traction at a time—until they’ve surrendered more ground than they ever realized.

Drawing from Ephesians 6, this message introduces the Mission Church word of the year: Stand Your Ground. The phrase isn’t just a catchy theme; it’s a battle cry for a people under spiritual pressure. Pastor Ezra unpacks Paul’s charge to the church in Ephesus with clarity and urgency—highlighting the repeated commands to stand, withstand, and stand firm in the middle of unseen opposition.

This message pulls back the curtain on spiritual warfare and explores how many people are fighting the wrong enemy. With deeply relatable stories, sharp insight, and layered biblical context, it clarifies what it means to “be strong in the Lord,” why spiritual armor is non-negotiable, and how small compromises become open doors for the enemy.

The message also establishes the direction for the rest of January, with a deeper look at each piece of the armor of God. It connects the call to stand with the mission of the Church as a whole—anchored in corporate unity, spiritual strength, and collective endurance.

For anyone feeling worn down, scattered, or tempted to backpedal spiritually, this message is a wake-up call. Not a hype session. A stance reset.

Word of the Year: Stand Your Ground.