Ever take the time to look at the drab and dreary
trees that line the gray winter sky?
However dry and sparse in appearance, winter trees are still standing,
firmly rooted. At the core, bundled
safely away inside, lies unseen potential and promise. In a very important way, we are often like
those trees. Exposed to the harsh
elements, we wait, rest and grow stronger, just anticipating the right time and
circumstances to bloom.
Today may not look exactly as we want. While we may not have all we desire or
everything we think we should have, we are present
for another day. This day contains so
much possibility and is a perfect backdrop for a new beginning.
No matter where you’ve been, what you’ve done or how
much you’ve lost, you can always get your life moving in a new direction. The time is seldom perfect and your first
step may only have a sliver of light shining on it, but you can get moving. “For God has not given
us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy
1:7 NKJV
Don’t be afraid of making a wrong turn. Don’t procrastinate because you’re afraid to
start or afraid of rejection. Don’t
allow mistakes, experiences or what others think of you shackle you to the
past. Despite any obstacles you face,
you can excel. Your past does not have
to define you and can only keep you captive if you allow it. Make sure your actions are deliberate. If it’s only an inch at a time, keep moving
toward your new horizon. Allow your
faith and determination to lead your life in a more positive direction. You are free
to move higher, forward and upward.
What’s making you uncomfortable? What are you sick and tired of in your
life? Unfortunate circumstances or
undesired realities can be just what you need to get energized. Ever feel trapped by missed opportunities, or
the responsibility and obligations of your life? Tired of how or where you live or the
conditions at work? Let that discomfort
or dread be your fuel.
Let the Lord give you something fresh and new. Believe it or not, He can bless you in your
current situation. Your heart screams
out and vibrates for the chance to begin again, to show life just what’s inside
of you.
Ever get the feeling that God is about to do
something special in your life? He’s
about to open the door to the situation you feel imprisons you. Joseph had a word from the Lord and knew he
wouldn’t die in prison. Unaware of the
day or hour of his release, his heart knew
that the day would come when a new beginning would be his reality. Let’s praise the Lord now for His promises and the blessings your faith knows will be
manifested later.
Set your goals and hopes before you. Be determined to build something. Your
expectations and hopes keep you vibrant.
Focus on areas where you are strong.
Keep track of what has worked for you.
Remember past successes and never forget how the Lord dealt with your
anxieties and uncertainties by turning them into beautiful stories of survival.
You may feel lost, weighted down, off track, off in
a ditch or stuck, but you can begin to turn the tide. Perhaps trying a new way will yield better
results. Maybe a brook of long-standing
provision suddenly dries up. Well, now
is your opportunity for new challenges, reimagined solutions and growth – the
proof of life. Remember that the
greatest rewards are rarely attached to the easiest challenges. Tough trials and roads lead to triumphs and
victories.
In Christ, you are a new creation. A new
beginning can be yours. So, let go of
the death grip you have on your disappointments in life, yourself and
others. Grab hold of all the glory and
confidence your future holds. Commit to
your new journey.
Other new creatures learn to walk, talk, run, fly and
care for themselves? What new thing will
you do? What will you learn to do in a new way? What hurdles will you jump? What bridges will you build? What fears will you face and smash? What offenses will you forgive? What love will you give? What gift will you share? What dreams will you cherish? How high will you soar? How bright and warm will your new beginning
be?
Please check back every Tuesday and Friday for something new!
