“But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? …” Isaiah 43:18-19 (NLT)
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I had deep questions on an ordinary day when I looked in the mirror and asked, Who am I now that my life is so different again? What am I supposed to do, and who do I want to be in this new season?
So much had changed in my life over the past 10 years that I found myself pondering my identity in this new phase of life and my desires for the future.
I knew I had to let go of what was gone, appreciate what remained, determine what was next, and put in the work to make those desires happen. I also needed to remember that my identity as a daughter of Christ would never change and trust in whatever new plans He had for me.
In Isaiah 43:18-19, God spoke to the Babylonian-exiled Israelites through the prophet Isaiah: “But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? …”
God is always at work, bringing forth newness and transformation in our hearts and lives. Just as He had previously rescued the Israelites from exile in Egypt and given them a fresh start, they could trust He would usher them into something new after Babylon as well.
Perhaps you are in a transition period right now — a career change, a relationship transition, a personal challenge, or just a new and unfamiliar season of life. Maybe you are longing to reinvent yourself and reshape your life, but you feel unsure of how to begin and doubtful of whether you have what it takes. Below are five steps to help you move into the new thing God has for you.
Step 1: Identify what you want to change or improve. Allow yourself to consider who you want to be and what you want to accomplish.
Step 2: Determine any skills you may need to develop to move forward, and be willing to invest in yourself.
Step 3: Map out a life plan. A dream without a plan is just a wish. Without setting goals for ourselves, we’ll stay stuck right where we are.
Step 4: Spend time in solitude and prayer, asking God to guide your steps.
Step 5: Get out of your comfort zone, and start working toward your goals! Maintain a positive attitude, and stay focused on your aspirations.
It’s natural to feel apprehensive about the unknown, but God’s ability to bring about transformation and renewal in our lives never fails. We can trust in His sovereignty, remembering He is the master of making all things new … including helping us to become the best version of ourselves and to enjoy the lives He has given us.
Lord, You know the desires of my heart. Walk beside me, and help me embrace my new season with optimism and excitement. Thank You for the promise of new beginnings. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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Are you facing a new season of life in one way or another? A transition period that has left you facing uncertainties and feeling unclear about what your next steps should be? Tracie Miles’ brand-new book releasing July 3, 2024, God’s Got You: Embracing New Beginnings with Courage and Confidence, could be the exact resource you need to move forward. Preorder your copy today by clicking here!
When you preorder God’s Got You in June, you’ll receive three great freebies, including a digital Step Into Your New Beginnings workbook, downloadable prayer cards to print and have handy for encouragement on those days when you’re feeling frustrated, and beautifully designed screen savers with motivational quotes to help keep you inspired!
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If you’re ready to kick-start your season of new beginnings, visit Tracie’s blog for goal-setting tips for reinventing and reshaping your life. If you subscribe, you will also receive her encouraging free resource “10 Tips for Handling Change Well in Your New Season.” You can also connect with Tracie on Facebook and Instagram.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Philippians 4:13, “I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me” (CSB).
What do you want to do differently as you embark on your journey of new seasons and new beginnings?
How can remembering today’s key verse give you hope and encouragement to invest in yourself and your future? Share with us
in the comments!
© 2024 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.
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