The air is warming and spring is coming! There are so many things to be excited for: flowers in every color, grilling out, green grass, and Easter, to name a few. Windows can be open to breathe fresh WARM air! It’s heavenly, right? We get motivated to start something new such as spring cleaning, going outdoors, and planning for the long sunny days ahead.
This spring certainly has not turned out as I had planned. We were looking forward to vacationing in Florida, starting soccer season, swim classes, bonfires and parties with friends and family. It is easy to let that discourage us but our family has decided we’re going to use this (hopefully) once in a lifetime pandemic event to choose joy.
While thinking about all of the cancelled plans this season, the Lord showed me Isaiah 43:19 from the Bible. “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.” This first stood out to me before we attended church (virtually) so I highlighted it and decided I’d circle back to read it again when I wasn’t so rushed. Ironically, the verse our Pastor preached from that day was also Isaiah 43:19. God wanted me to see that He is starting something new. And when God speaks, you make time to listen.
He’s Starting Something New
I knew this was not a coincidence. God needed my attention. While physically, God is creating something new outdoors and maybe even in our homes, He is also creating something new within us. Use this as the time to evaluate your journey. Are you following what God is calling you to do? Is now the time to start something new according to God’s will? We are not called to remain stagnant in our faith. God has called us to be His church and be disciples to all the earth. This time in physical isolation is not permanent. How can we be preparing for the next steps in our journey?
What Does That Mean?
Well, that means different things to different people. God can use our gifts and talents to praise Him, lead others to Him, and bless those around us. We are all talented in various ways. Think about those abilities that you have that come naturally. Have you always been able to carry a tune? Are you energized by public speaking? Can you naturally empathize and comfort someone in need? Are you debt free and a master at investing? Perhaps you love to organize and declutter. Embrace what He has blessed you with and pray for God to show you how He can use your abilities in new ways. And start now! Can you virtually bless someone now with your gifts? There are endless creative opportunities available. Ask God to show you.
We are Weak but He is Strong
Isaiah 40:29 says, “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.”. It goes on in verse 31 to say, “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” He uses our weaknesses as opportunities to trust Him. The pandemic that we are facing right now is the perfect opportunity to allow God to carry you. I struggle with worry the most. Once I’ve heard (or sometimes imagined) negative news, I can easily spiral into the worst case scenario. It begins to feel overwhelming and sometimes suffocating. When I hit that out of control moment, I realize that I’ve failed to give this to God. He’s in control of it all and He cares for me more than anyone! The peace I feel from surrendering is too great for words. Once I can back away from the situation at hand, I see that God was carrying me the entire time. Think about your weaknesses. Have you surrendered to Him and asked for His help? Where do you see Him working in your life? Is He preparing you to start something new according to His will? With that said, I challenge you to begin journaling at least every other day and make note of the good things in your life. Those things are gifts from God (James 1:17). They are not accidental. As you start to reflect on what you’ve noticed during this time, ask God to clearly show you the next steps for your life.
Have Courage
We hear God speak and want to follow but it’s flat out scary. Nobody wants to feel embarrassed, scared, or judged. When you are in that moment, take a step back and think about your purpose here. You are here to worship God and to spread the good news of Jesus to all of His people. It’s scary! However, God has a reason for everything that is accomplished in His name. Read Deuteronomy 31:6 and be courageous. This spring, take a leap of faith and follow His calling to start something new!
Final Steps
Read Isaiah 43:19 again, “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.”. How comforting to know that we serve a God who will create a pathway for us! A God who will provide us everything we need to obey the next step in our journey with Him. Our Father loves us so much that all we have to do is trust Him in this new step of faith.
Your Challenge
Over the next few weeks, I challenge you to write down Isaiah 43:19 and pray that God will show you the next step in your relationship with Him. Once it is revealed, take action! Do not wait for the perfect day or time because it will never happen. Respond to His calling immediately and see how His plan for you is revealed. Do not settle; God has great things in store for you! It’s time to start something new!
