Last year at this time, I prayed to the Lord to give me a verse of the year.
And He answered...
Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert. Isaiah 43:19
I was excited about the new thing but instantly aware of the second part of the verse which warned me of a year that would feel like a wilderness and a desert. So, as excited as I was for what God was going to do, I hesitated with the reality that some things would be removed. I struggled with knowing that I couldn’t walk into my new things without releasing the old things. I would need to be willing to let God be God and surrender my will for His plan for my life.
Here’s the issue, I am a planner. And when it came to 2020, my plans were in place. I had things to do, places to go, and goals to accomplish. Needless to say, when March of 2020 brought the news of a growing pandemic, my to-do-list looked quite meaningless. Before I knew it, things were being changed at a rapid pace. The school our church rented from closed until further notice. My pay at work decreased. The weekly outings my family once enjoyed and date nights my marriage craved came to a halt. My blog had to pause as taking care of six children (while virtual schooling) and growing my pregnant belly was the focus of my life. Speaking opportunities were canceled. Friends that I once held dear were now distant due to disagreements on race, masks, and politics.
Yet, the Lord reminded me every step of the way.
Behold, I am doing a NEW thing.
Here’s what I’m convinced of. For many people, including myself, we have a tendency to remain stuck in the hustle of life. We do the things that we are required to do and plan for a few ambitious goals in the meantime. Before we know it, we become slaves to business, children, goals, and schedules. In doing so, we forget to enjoy life. We forget to enjoy the privilege of laughter, joy, and the breath in our body. Things once taken for granted are now precious commodities.
In 2020, it felt like all was stripped away. The busy schedules, the planned vacations, and even the “church” as usual were drastically changed. Yet, my question for you, is what remained?
Did your faith remain?
Did your love remain?
Did His goodness remain?
Did He reveal himself in a new way?
For me, the answer to all is YES!
As I reflect, on what was altered this year, I’m reminded that the Lord kept to His promise. He made a way in the wilderness by showering me with friends who cared, prayed, and loved me through the isolation. He provided streams in the desert as our church found a permanent facility and my job started to offer me double the courses to teach. He provided hope as He gave us a new life in our family.
As you start this new year, remember the Lord may be shaking things up for you even more. Not because he’s angry with you, but because He has more in store for you. Take each moment as a gift and testimony that there’s still purpose in your life and that God still has a plan.
My prayer is that the Lord will give you a verse to stand on for this coming year and years to come. There is VICTORY in surrendering your year over to Him and trusting Him no matter what happens.
Embrace His plan.
Love well.
Delight in His new thing.
I leave you with my verse of the year,
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:13-14
If you have a verse God is highlighting to you, comment below!
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