A Devotional Moment

FORGET THE FORMER THINGS; DO NOT DWELL ON THE PAST. 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: 18-19

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Change is hard. Being taken out of one’s comfort zone is unsettling. We experience new things, discover new ways to do things, and develop new patterns as we navigate through our lives. When God has a plan that we cannot ignore, we sometimes step back and may decide we aren’t capable of what God wants from us. Consider Jonah, who ran from God before he realized that God’s plan would benefit so many others.

In Cactus for Christmas, the protagonist leaves a comfortable life for the unknown, not only in location, but with people she barely knows. When she gets to her destination, she finds new and different things that bring joy to herself and others. While some things change dramatically, she finds the changes to be comforting. Her old life was filled with good memories, but her new life is warm and welcoming. Grateful that she listened to God’s calling, she sees that His plan creates new relationships.

Have you ever felt as if you should make a change in your life, but have been afraid to step into the unknown? It can be frightening to cast off a comfortable existence—or even a not-so-comfortable one—for the unknown; but when you’re sure the change is God’s will for you, don’t be afraid. He will not let you stumble and will guide you only to good things. Don’t choose to stay in the belly of the whale!

LORD, HELP ME TO GO FORWARD WITH WHAT YOU HAVE PLANNED AND LET ME SEEK YOUR WAYS FIRST WHEN I EXPERIENCE NEW THINGS. IN JESUS’ NAME I PRAY, AMEN.