A New Year with New Beginnings

As my households enters into this new year, we've once again jumped feet first into a bunch of changes.  And with change comes new schedules, new routines, and a reminder that we must trust and rely on only one thing, God.

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.  Romans 8:28

So with all the "new things" my household is experiencing, I have to take a minute to praise God for His abundance, His perfect plan, His perfect timing, and His unconditional love.

Our heavenly Father has big plans for each of us but it's up to us to choose to walk His path.  And with this freedom of choice comes consequences.  If I am proclaiming to be a follower of Christ, then I must make sure I am studying His Word, being obedient, and being ever watchful for His signs.  God has the most wonderful plans in store for each of us every day but it is up to us to keep our eyes and ears open as well as our heart.

Just in these first two weeks of 2014 we have overcome illness, received stressful news, celebrated a

birthday, moved, begun new schedules for serving at church, and have begun the process of healing after sad goodbyes. BUT GOD has walked with us every step..  It's had to believe in just 18 days, ALL that has happened.  Whew, I'm exhausted just sitting here and pondering it 

In one of my Bible Studies we are reading through the book of Matthew.  In Matthew 14, Jesus walks on water and Peter steps out on faith with Christ.  But the moment he takes his eyes off of Jesus, Peter begins to sink in the water.  Life is the exact same way.  When we have our eyes focused on Jesus, we can do marvelous things, even walk on water.  But the very second we take our eyes off of Christ, we sink.  And with that sinking comes frustration, fear, worry, anxiety, and discouragement.    In Isaiah (7:9), it clearly states, If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all.   And Barbara Johnson is quoted as saying, "Faith is seeing light with the eyes of your heart, when the eyes of your body see only darkness". 

We all go through changes everyday.  Some bigger than others but regardless of how BIG the change or circumstance feels, you must keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.  A song comes to mind whenever I'm experiencing some sort of change....

http://youtu.be/nO4uIyz_d90

Turn your eyes upon Jesus!!!  It's that simple.  Through every trial and stage of change in your life, God is with you!  And when you trust in God, and place your faith in Him alone, just as Peter walked on the water with Christ, so too will  you begin to see the marvelous things He can do with and through you.  With Christ, all things are possible.

So, even though my house has had many (MANY) changes already this year, I am full of anticipation on what is yet to come.  If you don't have faith, you'll never move mountains.  But if you do have faith, there is absolutely no limit to the things that you and God can accomplish.

"God has His reasons.  He has His purposes.  Ours is an intentional God, brimming over with motive and mission.  He never does things capriciously or decides with the flip of a coin."- Joni Eareckson Tada.

Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.  May Your gracious Spirit lead me on level ground.  Psalm 143:10  Heavenly Father, when I am experiencing changes in my life and become fearful and anxious, give me faith.  Help me to remember that You are always near and capable of marvelous things when I keep my eyes focused on  you.  You are always near and through You, I can overcome any challenge.  And in the joyous moments of these changes, help me to be mindful that every good and perfect gift comes from above.  In every aspect of my life, Lord, give me faith.  Amen.