A New Year and A New You

Change is in the air. Across the country millions of people made resolutions that things were going to be different this year. Out with the old and in with the new. This year I will lose those 20lbs. I am going to stop drinking. I am going to eat healthier. I am going to tithe. I am going to join a ministry. I am going to be more disciplined. I am going to be a better steward of over my money. I am going to spend more quality time with my family. I am going to start my own business. I am going to discover my purpose. I am going to settle down. I am going to be celibate.
You name it; someone has declared this year it will be done. This month we will witness a historical change in the White House. There will be an official transition of power.

Just like the White House, you may also be in a transition either voluntary or involuntary. Let me encourage you, there is nothing new under the heavens. Your situation is not news to God. Yes the economy is bad. Yes you lost your job. Yes you are a single parent. Yes your children are acting up. Yes your relationship is in trouble. Yes you have been abused. Yes your rent is due. Yes all hell seems be breaking loose. Let me add another yes right here. Yes, God is still in control. Hallelujah!!!

We must hang on to our hope in Christ Jesus. Now is not the time to throw in the towel. Now is not the time for a pity party. When you look at your current situation, I dare you to think back on all the God has brought you through. I dare you think about His goodness. I dare you stand on His promises and declare that this too shall pass. It does not matter if you are a seasoned saint or a babe in Christ. If you have accepted Christ Jesus as your personal Savior and believe the Bible is the word of God, you can speak to your situation.

I wish I could tell you there was a quick fix but I would be lying though there are some believer’s who have had an And Suddenly experience (myself included). This season our country is facing is not a surprise to God so when you are tempted to worry, fear and fret remember that God has prepared a way of escape (I Cor. 10:13) – Hallejuhah!!!

Let me tell you, there is a shifting going on. God is calling forth the purpose He has placed in all of us. “To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3: 1”

Do your part. We can no longer be hearers of the word; we must now become doers of the word. Acting in faith, moving in faith and operating in faith, proclaiming what God has declared over our lives. In order to do this and see the manifestation of God’s promises again you must surrender and listen to what the Spirit of the Lord is saying.

You can’t hear from God if you don’t listen. Remember prayer is really dialogue with God so don’t do all the talking - give God an opportunity to communicate to you through the Holy Spirit. Read your Spiritual manual the Bible and mediate on what God says about your situation. Listen for any messages God may be trying to convey to you in the midst of your situation. Be encouraged.

Here’s a New Year’s Resolution for you DO NOT OPERATE IN FEAR….for the next 24 hours every time you are tempted to worry about your situation cast it down in the name of Jesus. Just say, nope situation I am not going to worry or fear. God has not given me the spirit of fear.

Focusing on your situation is selfishness. You are focusing on your own strength instead of leaning and depending on Jesus who has the power to change your situation. Pray for wisdom and God’s purpose for your life. Remember the mind is the battlefield. The thoughts of abandonment, inadequacy, feelings of rejection and shame will try to creep in. Tell the enemy, “I talked with God about my situation and I am waiting to hear further instructions, In the name of Jesus, Amen.”

Praise God through your favorite song and worship God for who He is. You will begin to feel better – the more you do it the better you feel. Get Moving…before you know it, others will see and comment on the transformation and a passion will erupt in you like you have never felt before.

Don’t just sit around and wait to see what God is going to do. Get busy and shift your focus. Look for ways you can help others, volunteer in the area of your gifting, get a mentor or life coach, join a book club, evaluate your circle, surround yourself with positive people, ask God for a sneak preview. Do your part and trust God to do His part. Before you know it, you’ve got another testimony and you can run on a little further to see what the end is going to be.