New Year's Revolution

New beginnings. We've all had them. A time to begin again could be a New Year's Day goal, a move to a new town or the start of a new semester at school. Most of the time new starts catch us by surprise, sometimes when something new comes our way, we might not feel prepared. We might think it's not the right time for a change or maybe we are just plain terrified. Whatever the case, new beginnings can be new opportunities.
What's new? Is something looming in the distance, possibly a situation you might be dreading? Are you waiting for test results, an adult child soon to leave home or will you start a new job? Whatever it is, it can be an opportunity for you to trust God. I remember the spring of 2004, I was waiting for results after an MRI test had been done on my head. I had found a lump underneath my eye, in four weeks, I saw many doctors but none could diagnose what was wrong. When the MRI was finally complete, the days seemed like years while we waited for the results.
Instead of viewing your situation with worry, try applying wonder. You might wonder how God will get you beyond your fear! And that's okay. Remember, when fear grows teeth, it's called faith. Choose God's grace instead of the giddies, choose character building exercises instead of the rut of the comfort zone. While I waited for the results of my MRI, I studied Psalm 27:1, "The Lord is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?" Instead of fear, I chose to have faith in God, the only One who knows the future.
The children of Israel were prisoners, captives of an evil king. Even when they were held against their will in the pagan city of Babylon, they were told to look for the new thing - their release from slavery. They were told to expect freedom. Things hadn't gone exactly according to their plan, the years of their imprisonment lasted longer than they expected, they thought God had forgotten them. God gave them hope through Isaiah the prophet. He told them change, new things were coming. They were told to watch, wait for it and not to miss it. "Behold, the former things have come to pass, now I declare new things:before they spring forth I will declare them to you." Isaiah 42:9
What new beginning is on your horizon? What bold thing is God asking you to do? You might feel like there are circumstances holding you captive and like the children of Israel, things haven't gone according to your plan. Choose to notice the new thing God is doing in the midst of your old circumstances. Check out Isaiah 43:18,19, Isaiah 43:10, Psalm 98:1, Isaiah 65:17. I hope this new year brings exciting things your way as you examine the areas in your life where God is working and choose to join him. Let the changes and challenges of the New Year revolutionize the way you view God. Embrace the new things coming your way!
Love and prayers,
Sheryl