Recently, I’ve been hearing and seeing messages on re-occurring themes: Saying “Yes!” to God’s promptings, stepping out of my comfort zone and new beginnings. Hearing something over and over is a clear signal from God to listen up! And, trust me, if you miss it, He will remind you. In fact, each day we are given another chance to take the next step. So, feel encouraged…He’ll never give up on us.
In the past couple weeks, I’ve felt a nudging to talk about the process of making the best “yes.” We will forever be presented with opportunities, some will be a clear “no thank you,” some will be a good “yes,” but not all of those will be the RIGHT “yes” which God has intended as part of our specific path. More good news: He uses all things for good (Romans 8:28), so if you should choose the “wrong” yes, He’s sure to put it to good use AND present you with another opportunity to choose the one intended for you in the first place.
This past Sunday, we had a guest Pastor, Dr. Dan Scarrow, present a sermon titled “Standing at the Edge of your New Beginning.” It was this sermon, based on the teachings of Joshua 1-4, that convinced me to follow through with sharing all of the signs I’ve been receiving. I often find myself so excited to connect messages through journal entries and note taking…but I tend to hit a wall when it comes to figuring out the right way to share.
Dr. Scarrow said the following things that spoke to me as clear as a neon sign: “God is up to something very big in your life/ What’s God asking you to do?/ Each day we are invited to take the next step/ Your new beginning requires you to step out into the uncomfortable.” Whoa! All of the messages I’ve been receiving on repeat…in one message?! So, without further adieu, here is my first “yes:” to share what I’ve been hearing.
Throughout the book of Joshua, we are reminded over and over that God “will not leave you or forsake you,” Joshua 1:5. He tells us to “BE STRONG and COURAGEOUS,” Joshua 1:6 (in fact, He commands this four times in just the first chapter of Joshua!) Must be important, right?! When God asked Joshua to leave his comfort zone, Joshua simply replied “yes!”
Saying “yes” and taking the next step toward our new beginning requires a few thoughtful steps that will help ensure what we do next aligns with what God’s intentions are behind His request. Here’s what else I learned from Dr. Scarrow’s message:
1) We need to lay down our history when we are invited to do something new. (LET GO of our baggage, including past “no’s,” guilt, pain, etc).
2) Your new beginning requires you to step into the impossible…Pushing you out into the UNCOMFORTABLE.
For example, God split the Jordan River…during flood levels….for the Israelites to pass through safely, on dry ground!! Joshua 3:11-17.
3) Your new beginning might require a TANGIBLE REMINDER. We get busy, tired, life gets complicated…a visual helps remind us.
For me, its important to take notes. I keep one notebook where I have separate tabs for journaling, book notes, sermon notes and bible study notes….these notes allow me to “connect the dots.” If I didn’t keep these notes…the “aha” moments would be lost forever.
4) Your new beginning is not just about you. When you say YES, it IMPACTS all sorts of people.
5) When you step out into the new beginning, you’re announcing that God is LIVING and POWERFUL. It’s not our label as “Christian” that matters: It’s how we live.
“God did this so all people know the hand of the Lord is POWERFUL, that you may fear the Lord your God forever,” Joshua 4:24
Dr. Scarrow concluded his sermon with what gave me the best visual of all: “The path between who you are and who God wants you to be is paved with YESSES.” I don’t know about you, but I could certainly learn a lot from Joshua and the people of Israel. I want God’s best for me and my family…and that begins with a big fat “YES, I WILL!” on my part.
Check back with me, right here, as I spend some time sharing more tangible evidence God is using in my life. He’s definitely up to something, and for me, it begins with this. I encourage you to find some quiet time and ask yourself, “what’s God asking me to do?”