You’re standing in between what was and what could be. There is no certainty or clearcut answer. It’s almost as if time has stopped, only waiting for you to decide what’s next.
The truth is, you don’t have to have it all figured out this instance, but you can take a chance on something new by not turning back.
If you’re a regular here at Dedicated to Jesus, then you know I am definitely an over-thinker, who would rather avoid change at all costs than step into something new. I have caught myself holding onto yesterday or worried I could have done or said something better in a moment already passed.
So when I decided one year ago to take a chance on something I love, in a new way, I was honestly scared. But as I trusted God, one step led to another and another.
Along the unfamiliar road of starting this blog and helping others learn more about Jesus, I have taken in several life lessons from the Lord that can provide courage for any of us to step into a new season.
Whether you are looking to start a family, revamp your business, or retire and get involved in your community, the one thing that will always remain unchanged is God’s love for you and His plan for your success.
Lesson #1: Look Ahead With The Hope Of Jesus
One of the first lessons I have learned on this journey with the Lord is to keep moving forward, embracing who I am, not that of yesterday, but now, with the Lord in my heart.
The Lord has made me whole again. He has given me joy. He has shown me what it means to have peace in my life. He has given me the courage to smile again not taking notice of what people think.
These gifts help me continue on. Receiving joy, peace, and wholeness from Jesus is different because it builds a hope that lives within you.
This hope is what inspired me to take a chance and start this blog.
Yes, writing is my first love, but my name in print? I have always been oddly nervous about this. Can’t I just be a ghost writer or better yet an editor whose name is last on the list.
After years of hiding behind these thoughts, the Lord has shown me that He has a plan that is going to challenge me to be more open so I can finally do the work He has called me to do.
Through the process, which has included many doubtful nights and endless rewrites, Jesus has reminded me again and again that I have to keep my eyes on Him.
He explains to the disciples that when the Kingdom of Heaven is upon us, we can’t look to anything but the Lord.
This is a powerful verse all about moving forward with God; one that we need to apply to our lives today.
We simply can’t turn back to the comfortable ways we previously created for ourselves when we are walking with the hope of Jesus.
To turn back would have given fear a chance to creep back in, not allowing me to depend on Jesus to provide the wisdom to get started.
Hold on to this truth about the vitalness of not turning back to help you remain focused on any new ventures or life plans the Lord is guiding you in. When nerves or doubts get the best of you, take one more step forward.
Lesson #2: Partner With The Lord
Whatever God has planned for your future is set on a dependable pathway.
What is something new the Lord is calling you to do? Maybe it’s big, like earning a degree or maybe it’s something as simple as going to church for the first time. Write down what that task is and why you haven’t tried it. What is one action you can take to get started?
Putting your feelings on paper somehow helps make sense of what to do next.
Whenever you do make a decision to take the first step, partner with the Lord. Start talking to Him. Ask for His guidance and be patient to hear His voice.
This whole blogging gig did not happen overnight. Many times, I had to sit at my desk and ask the Lord what I should do. The answer doesn’t always come quickly but He will reveal it in time.
The key is to include Him.
Be sure to involve the Lord even when you think you know what to do next, because there will be instances when plans don’t end up quite the way you expected and you’ll need the Lord to provide clarity.
Before I started blogging, I spent all my time focused on my family’s boutique and how to create a positive environment for all our shoppers.
There were occasions God sent people my way who were in need, giving me a chance to share kindness and the love of Jesus.
When days were slow, especially after Covid hit, I prayed to God asking for His support and help, and time after time we were able to make ends meet.
Then came the quiet moment I so clearly heard God saying it was time to let go of this part of my life. I could have questioned the Lord at this point with anger, because I truly tried to commit my ways and the business to the Lord, yet my original goal to be in business longterm was not achieved.
But I knew that the Lord was with me even so. He wasn’t taking something I loved away from me, He was preparing me for the next step. I felt at ease.
Proverbs 16 states that “A man’s heart plans his ways, but the Lord determines his steps.”
Of course there is disappointment when one plan doesn’t work out, but be confident that the Lord is making a way, especially when you bring Him in as a partner.
Lesson #3: Be Patient
The most difficult part about trying something new or making a change is having patience. You may not have all the answers you need or even know how to take the first step, but depend on the Lord’s promise.
The Lord is asking us for patience; to wait for Him to guide us.
The moment I created this blog lots of ideas surfaced and I knew I could take the blog in many different directions, but that would be me leading this venture by myself in a stubborn manner, like the mule. I have learned instead to open my eyes to what is going on around me and let the Lord bring light to what is most important.
I can see more clearly because I waited for the Lord.
He will do the same for you. As you focus ahead, a pathway will begin to form. When you build that firm partnership with the Lord, His voice will become more clear. With patience, you’ll gain confidence in your decisions because you thought them out thoroughly.
Has the Lord taught you any other lessons during a season of change? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
A Special Thank You …
Thank you to all who take the time to check in and read my articles. I am so grateful to those who have supported me, provided feedback, and shared my posts with their friends and family. I truly appreciate it.
Entering my second year as a blogger, I look ahead with excitement, because I know Jesus is here, ready to reveal so much more to both you and me as we open our hearts to Him.
While I am not sure just yet what this next season will bring, the goal at Dedicated To Jesus remains the same:
To continue to bring the hope of Jesus to others.
I love all your blogs. This one is extra special. It hits home for me. Thank you.
Thank you Linda!