Hello, New Beginning!

My oldest daughter started Kindergarten this week. She has been excited about the new beginning but for me it has been a bit of a challenge. I have had to adjust to a new schedule and the idea of her stepping out into this world as a big girl. It’s a transition that I thought I was ready for but still struggled with. As a matter of fact this whole year has been one of change and transition. In the midst of God calling me higher, He has challenged me to do new things that I didn’t want to or even think I could do. Every time, He has proven to me that I was wrong to doubt. He has shown me that I just had to trust Him at His word. Some of you may recognize where I am. It may be that you are being called to something outside of your box. It may be that God is calling forth a new beginning in your life. Whatever it is, today, God told me to tell you to fear not because what He is bringing you to was destined for your life from the beginning. It’s your time so trust Him and go forth!

I’m always afraid when God says stuff like destined and go forth into your purpose. I think it’s because I have to reconcile the fact that God already sees my end. He already knows the plan and I am just responsible for being obedient and trusting Him. I mean, I know all that. You do too, right? But when it comes down to it, it’s still scary. It’s scary to say yes. It’s scary to step out into the unknown. It’s scary to trust a plan that you can’t see and check off. Come on, I know there are some of you out there that love to check off a list. You have always had a plan for your life and when things get off track, you are completely thrown off. Well, guess what? Here you are! You are now being called upon to do what the Lord says on His timing and I know you are a bit freaked out. Don’t worry, I feel you!

I’m reminded of when Jesus was on the boat with Peter and the disciples. They had just seen Him do the miracle of feeding the 5000 so their faith should have been strong. But when He left them to pray and they were traveling back to the other side of the lake alone, they ran up on a storm. They were in trouble and Jesus shows up walking on the water. Their first thought is that He is a ghost. Our good friend, Peter wants some confirmation. He wants to KNOW that Jesus has shown up for them. “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” (Matt. 14: 28, NLT) I should stop right here and say that if God is stretching you and calling you to a new place, you are Peter on the boat. Perhaps you feel like He has launched you out on your own and this new challenge is way too big for you and you just need to KNOW that He is going to be with you. Well…He is! Jesus answers Peter. “Yes, come,” So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.  But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”  When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. (Matt. 14:29 – 32, NLT) Peter got out of the boat. Awesome! He even walked for a bit until he realized how big the storm was. Good effort! Jesus stepped right in and saved Peter before he sunk but I want you to notice one thing that I think many gloss over. When they got back on the boat, the wind stopped. THE WIND STOPPED. The storm was the test. When Jesus had shown Himself strong and faithful the storm ceased. Stop elevating the storm. Stop enlarging the challenge. When Jesus is on the journey with you, the storm can’t last. If He is bringing you to something that He already planned out for you, you don’t have to be afraid that you won’t reach the other side.

I often talk about the plan that God has for your life. One of my favorite scriptures is Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” If Jesus was already walking on the water towards the disciples, don’t you think He knew the storm was coming? His plan was not for the disciples to die or be hurt but for them to see that He would show up. Even when your faith is low and the struggle is real, He is right there waiting for you to get out of the boat. Waiting for you to step out on faith into the purpose that He has set before you. Waiting to see if you will trust Him enough to grab hold of your destiny and your new beginning. Do not be afraid of the next step, even if it is an uncomfortable one. The Lord is saying “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.” (Is. 43:19 MSG)

Saint, things are changing in your life and what you are used to is not what you are seeing or experiencing. You can no longer be afraid to leave some things and people behind, if it means being obedient to God. Don’t be afraid of the next level. The Lord will always show up and help you on your journey to the other side! Hello, new beginning! Hello, new assignment! Hello, fresh anointing! You are ready for whatever is coming. AMEN…