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. Isaiah 43:19
Have you ever felt God nudging you out of your comfort zone?
Have you ever felt God telling you to do a “new thing”, but remained conflicted with the realities of stepping out?
Do you ever struggle with the fear of "what if"?
So often, God wants to bless us extravagantly but we struggle with moving outside of our realm of comfort. However, when we make the choice to follow God’s voice, He will more than keep His end of the deal.
About three months ago, this was my exact predicament. While cleaning my kitchen the Lord spoke, “You are preparing to move.”
As I heard these words, tears filled my eyes. Buying a new home was a secret desire of my heart, but it certainly made very little sense. Considering our military status, financial obligations, and friendships with our neighbors, it seemed unreasonable to move into a new area. In my own reasoning, I believed this thought from God had to be for many years down the line.
Through the confusion of my own thoughts, I pushed forward and presented the idea to my husband. Considering he had wanted to move for years, there was little hesitation. Needless to say, within days we had the right realtor and lender who were honest and had great attention to detail. All the while, I had to be intentional about casting down the nagging emotions of “is this the right time” and “did God really say?”
Yet, with every negative thought, God would speak more clearly that “everything would be taken care of.” Coincidentally, at this exact time, the small group that we lead in our home started the Circle Maker study by Mark Batterson. The study encouraged listeners to “pray circles” around the promises of God relentlessly for 21 days. Along with my husband, we began to pray for our future home and finances to move effortlessly.
After the month of prayer, God blessed us with a home that was far beyond what we imagined. With no money due at signing and lots of favor with the previous owner, God showed us that He is faithful to His promises. God is so good He even threw in a bonus blessing. Within 90 minutes of closing on our home, I was offered a job that I applied for many months prior. I didn’t see that coming! God made us moving into this home and having the finances for it so much easier in a moment. While I had spent the month quietly worrying about the finances, God was already preparing to bless me with a job that would help to cover the expenses of the new home. I cannot help but wonder how different the circumstances would have been had I allowed doubt and my own knowledge to take the stage.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” Proverbs 3:5-6
Friends, many times God will lead us to do a “new thing” without giving us a full detailed plan.
For those who like to have an element of control this can be a hard experience. Yet, God wants us to reach the place where we can trust him wholeheartedly. He wants us to know that He has taken every detail into account and that He is working it ALL out for our good.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
This week I challenge you to trust God for the new places of your life. Whether God is calling you to a new line of work, leaving a toxic relationship, to step up in leadership, or make new friendship, make a choice to say, “Yes.” I have learned that God will stretch you out of your comfort zone for your own good. Though you may feel uncomfortable initially, He will always make good on His promises towards you.
Stay faithful. Stay focused. Choose obedience.
Remember, God will never lead you to do something and not provide you with the resources to sustain you. In His infinite wisdom, He will lead you to make strategic moves that will set you up for His greater plan.
Our job is to simply believe and act when God speaks.
I leave you with this prayer.
Dear Lord,
Teach me to acknowledge you for every move. Help me to no longer allow fear, doubt, and worry to block me from what you have for me. Train me to hear your words clearly as you speak. I choose to follow you always. i cast down every thought that stands in conflict of your will for my life. Thank you Lord for helping me to break free from my normal to go after all you have called me to be from this day forward. In Jesus Name. Amen.
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