New Beginnings

This being the start of a new year, we naturally think of change: change of calendar; change of lifestyle; change of heart; to name a few. We are constantly forced into areas of change in our lives, whether we like it or not; initiate it or not; want it or not.

In my own life, God is taking me through several transitions. Our oldest son will be graduating from Graduate School in May and getting married in June. It's all good, and we are very excited. But it's a transition. I sometimes find myself feeling some instability in “ministry”, and in life, but I know God is “authoring” all of it, and I can trust Him. He has given me quite a few confirmations.

Recently, I read an article by Ginger Stache, in Joyce Meyer's magazine, about new beginnings. She said that she asks herself two important questions at this time of year: “Why am I doing what I am doing?” and, “Am I doing what You (God) want me to do?” Our motives are important, and even if we are doing what God wants us to do with the wrong motives, the impact won't be as great.

Are we truly serving others, or are we acting selfishly? Are we seeking glory for ourselves, or for Him? Am I resisting change because of insecurity? It's easy to continue doing what we are doing because it's comfortable. But sometimes God wants to move us out of our comfort zones and stretch us to do new things. It can be an exciting thing. If there is no life anymore in a thing we are doing, then it's time for change; time to move on and do something different. Most often, God is in that, as well.

When I was starting to realize that God was beginning to move me into new things recently, I asked a close friend for her wisdom in the situations. She said to me, “Change is your friend”. I never thought that change was my friend. I don't usually enjoy change. But her wisdom brought a new perspective to it for me, and now I know she is right. Change can be a good thing sometimes….especially when we know it's God who is moving us in it. So I've been waiting and listening for God's instructions and am excited to see what He is going to do next.

What changes might you be facing today or in this new year? How are you responding to God's call to change?

God doesn't change. He always stays the same. But sometimes He asks us to change, and He promises to be with us every step of the way.