A quick scroll through Facebook reveals photos of children all heading back to school. Each child with their new clothes, new shoes, and their new backpacks filled with new supplies are starting a new year. Stomachs are filled with butterflies as we all anticipate a new beginning filled with unknowns.
We want to grow and stretch in unexplored areas yet we long for the comforts of the known.
The start of this school year has me thinking on the past and the future.
God wants us to remember the past. Looking at the past deeds of God assures me that God can be believed. He will surely do what He says He will do. However, in looking back we are not to limit God for He is a creative God.
His desire is for us to learn from the history of His people so that mistakes are not necessary to repeat but rather we are encouraged:
“Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.” (Romans 15:4, NLT)
This new school year is reminding me that our God enjoys doing new things:
“But forget all that – it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18-19, NLT)
What am I to learn today about new beginnings?
- God wants us to look forward. While we are not to forget the lessons He has taught us, we are not to live stuck in the past. We are to look forward – in faith – to all that our God is going to do in our lives.
- God knows what He is going to do. We may not see His plan fully but He knows exactly what He will bring about. He has it all prepared for us.
- God will guide us. The same way God guided the Israelites through a wilderness they had not yet traveled, He will be with us in our new beginnings.
“Be alert, be present.
I’m about to do something brand-new.”
(Isaiah 43:19, MSG)
Today I am joining … Three Word Wednesday and Coffee For Your Heart and Tell His Story and Women With Intention .
Joanne- I’m glad God has us in the palm of His hand. We can look with excitement on the future knowing He has it all planned out!
I enjoyed your post this morning!
Your #CoffeeforYourHeart neighbor,
Julie
His plans. Our lives in the palm of His hands. Exactly the place where life is worth the living! I am glad you were my neighbor 🙂
Yes, I feel like I’m in a new school of living intentionally and focusing on relationships in my life. We can get caught up in the day to day routine of laundry, errands, and everyday life and then miss the things that matter… people.
Thank you for these reminders of what God wants to do in our lives! (Your neighbor at #TellHisStory) Happy Wednesday to you!
Rachel, you hit on an important point – we must live intentionally focusing on the people in our lives. We can get so distracted by things that are not important at all. Joining you in this 🙂
I LOVE this. As a person who struggles with change (Because I can’t control it), it is encouraging to be reminded that God never changes, but He is the one who brings the change. I look forward to seeing the “new thing” He has begun. Let the adventure begin!
*visiting from #ThreeWordWednesday
Right there with you in struggling with change. It is only in remembering that He has gone before me, even preparing the way for me, that I am able to embrace the new and the changes that come more easier. Grateful you stopped here!
Your words bring needed peace in today’s world, and confidence in God’s sovereignty. Thank you for sharing!
May we stay filled with His peace and confident in His sovereignty so to be the light this world needs. Blessings!