When God Is Doing Something New, and We're Still Stuck in the Old - New Year Devotional - January 8
New Year Devotionals
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Crosswalk.com
When God Is Doing Something New, and We're Still Stuck in the Old
by Debbie McDaniel
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Is. 43:18-19
Sometimes... God is wanting to do something "new" and yet we're still stuck in the "old." It's hard at times. To let go. Of what's familiar, and what we know. It seems easier to stay "comfortable," to just keep going with the flow, not to mess anything up. But then "new" happens, and often sends us spiraling, on one big, long loop.
For those who like change - "new" is mostly exciting.
For those who don't like change - "new" is mostly stressful.
Your family, if you're like most, is probably a mix of those two traits.
But here's what I love about God. He thinks and works outside our own box of thinking. He doesn't always work in the ways that we would have chosen for our "new." If we had to have a "new."
He sees the big picture. He knows what He's doing. He works behind the scenes of life that unfold our every day, in the places where we can't always see or understand all the “why's.”
So we can trust...that He has our best in mind. That He's got our back. He’s with us right now. And He's secured our future too.
Sometimes our "new" comes out of great blessing, new opportunities. And sometimes it comes through great pain, huge loss.
People move, life happens, decisions are made, many change jobs, kids grow up, and there are times we might go through some really tough struggles. We may even start to feel cheated. Like life is unfair.
But it still breathes this truth: God is not finished with our lives yet. You're still here. And He has great purpose in all that you walk through, even in every life change and season.
Whether we recognize it or not, we’re rubbing shoulders everyday with people that we needed to meet in our "new," however hard that new thing may be.
We can rest in His care for us. He knows. He sees. He works in ways we don't always "get," but there's peace in knowing we don't have to try to control it all. We can let go - of the need to figure it all out, and the striving to make things happen.
We can trust Him.
Our future awaits, and there's still good around the bend. God has more in store.
Peace.
Intersecting Faith & Life: If you find yourself in a new season right now, or you’re struggling to find the good in changing times, be assured that God has the best in store. Choose to trust that He’s working on your behalf today, even in ways you may not fully see or understand.
Further Reading:
Isaiah 55:8-9
Jeremiah 29:11
Revelation 21:5
Find more by Debbie at www.debbiemcdaniel.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com!
Listen to the Jesus Calling Podcast!
Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, inspired by the topical themes from Sarah Young’s seasonal prayer devotional Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season. Today, we are featuring guests who speak to themes that all of us might be experiencing in this season of winter. As the days grow shorter and the night longer, we are offered a rare gift: permission to stop. This season can be a challenging time for many, and if you are struggling with low spirits, please know you are not alone, and help is available. This episode is an opportunity to honor your weariness, to resist the urge to rush, and to discover the profound healing that happens when we simply let ourselves rest in the stillness. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
