Do you believe in the power of new beginnings?

I do. I believe in the power of writing a new chapter, starting a new adventure, developing a new habit, continually becoming a better version of ourselves.

What if you decided that this year would be the year that you dedicated time to becoming a better you?

The problem is that when we stop growing we become stagnant, like stale water that starts to smell. Change encourages growth and growth is good. As we continue to challenge ourselves, we begin to train muscles we never knew we had. We grow in strength and courage, boldness and flexibility. We begin to adapt to new things, a new way of life, a new dimension of determination for a new appointment God has for us.

As we open up our minds and willingly allow God to change our direction and show us His paths, we open ourselves up to live in the fullness that we were originally designed for. The purpose of our existence was penned and planned and executed many years ago. It’s our stubbornness that gets in the way of our success.

There’s truth to be found in the saying, “Let go and let God.” When we surrender our selfish desires for spiritual growth, we become the best version of ourselves that we can be – because we are no longer in control and we’ve allowed God to steer our ship once again.

I often think of Jeremiah, a young boy whom God calls. He was just 14 when he received the prophetic call over His life. The very first words God spoke over his life was soaked in purpose and position. He was hand picked by God to be a prophet to Gods people.

Jeremiah 1:5 – “The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew (or chose you), before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

When we begin to walk into the things God has for us, the Lord leads us with purpose, destiny and direction. We may walk blindly in faith, but it’s guided by the hand of the Holy Spirit.

Will you begin to walk into all that God has for you this new year?

The Lord encourages Jeremiah with these words:

Jeremiah 1:8 – ‘Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord . ‘

As you begin to ponder on all the new things that God has for you this new year, give fear the boot and just begin, start, choose to surrender your life into Gods very capable hands.

Here are a few scriptures to kickstart your journey in finding your renewed purpose in Christ:

The Bible often speaks about being ‘renewed’ in Christ. If we are to be a people who pursue a passionate relationship with the Lord, then we need to be renewed constantly.

2 Corinthians 5:17 :Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Isaiah 40:31 But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Journal these questions and scriptures and respond by writing your answers down and praying through them:

1.) What has God called me to do and am I fulfilling the calling on my life?

2.) What has God placed in my hands that I can use to glorify His name and His Kingdom?

3.) What spiritual gifts has the Holy Spirit given me? 

4.) Am I operating within these gifts? If not, why not?

5.) What decision can I make today to start operating within my gifting in greater measure?

6.) Am I submitting myself in obedience to the teachings in Gods Word?

7.) Do I allow the Word of God to permeate every area of my life?

8.) Am I learning Gods Word, loving Gods Word and living it out? 

9.) Am I encouraging others and leading others well?

10.) What decisions can I make today to start hearing God more for myself and others?

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” ~ C.S. Lewis