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11Jan
Steps in the right direction
“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 desert
and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:18, 19)We just said Goodbye to 2011 and Hello to Twenty-Dozen! It’s time to make those dreaded resolutions! You know, those “goals” we set & rarely see completed? Actually this year, I’ve decided not to make any. It’s true. I actually don’t like feeling like a failure, so I’m not going to set myself up to fail this time. Now, you’re probably wondering what I’m going to do instead.
Dear Sisters, listen closely: I’m going to take a step in the right direction. Isaiah 43:18,19 says “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 desert and streams in the wasteland.” Moving forward seems so easy when I read this. God tells His people it’s okay to move on from our past. Thinking back to last year and some of the mistakes I made, the weight I didn’t lose, the days I didn’t read my Bible… I’m thankful to forget them. I’m even more thankful that my past does not have to define my future. The Lord promises to do a New Thing this year. He is “making a way” for us to follow Him, even during the dark days. So, in 2012 I’m going to take steps toward Jesus. He can only do a new thing in me as I follow Him. Will you take a step in the right direction with me? It may not always be fun or make you happy, but it will get you closer to Jesus!
Heavenly Father, Thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for 2nd chances. Thank you for offering to do a new thing in our lives. We all have messed up & are in need of you. We welcome a change in this new year. Please God help us see you more & more each day as we follow after you. Amen
Application:
Like with resolutions, it is a good idea to write down the steps you want to take in 2012. Here are some of mine:
- Read my Bible & pray Everyday. (www.youversion.com has several reading plans. Our Women’s Ministry has a reading plan & you can find that listed on the website at www.getreallife.com/women) Taking this step will develop my personal relationship with Jesus
- Fasting from breakfast & lunch once a month to pray for our church, the lost, or any personal need. Taking this step will draw me closer to Jesus & help me share in His suffering
- Decreasing the amount of sugar I eat & drinking more water. Taking these steps will help me lose some lbs
- Memorize several scriptures. Taking this step will help me not to believe lies
Go ahead and start writing some of yours down right now. Then share them with a friend so they can pray for you.
- Erin
By erinramsey in Isaiah 11 Comments »
Wonderful thoughts Erin. Thanks for sharing! I would add (for myself and I hope others) to your list of non-resolution resolutions to move more. Make a plan to get more physical movement into each and everyday.
Erin – thanks so much for sharing. Love that we’re reaching out to women through the devo! God is awesome!
Love it Erin! Forget the former things baby! No dwelling on the past!
Erin, this was perfect! Smiple, easy to read, easy to work on! Love your heart and i truly thank God for “forgetting what is behind!!!”
I’ve had this one post noted on my computer for a few months now and it reminds me to see the progress I’m moving forward in by his grace.
GREAT Scripture!
Great spiritual motivation for us all Erin! Thanks so much!
Loved this, Erin. I’ve been standing still for awhile, but now I may actually start “running”! I am definitely moving forward!
Praise God for Second Chances -
Praise God for New Beginnings -
Praide God for the “Applications:”-
Praise God for This Website -
Thank you Erin!
This is awesome, Erin! Reading your prayer, I felt like you took the words right out of my mouth. So grateful to be on the journey of loving Him more and more every day with such genuine sisters in Christ. Thank you, Lord! You are my everything!
This is so beautiful and timely! I have been battling within myself about my failures as a wife and mom – MY idea of “good” is impossible!
I’m also in a bit of a desert place trying to heal after being in the hospital with a complex bronchitis & even more tests to do that couldn’t take place before discharge(broken equipment @ hosp, busy specialist *sigh*)I may not be done w/ the hospital and even so, “it is well”.
The WONDERFUL Care Team is on Board and I THANK YOU!
Back to subject @ hand….
Each lady read this devotional and here we go! Are we hopping the same direction? Yes, a few, yes to a few more and others nope! Not at all! It’s what I love most and yet also struggle with the most about my dear ‘ole heavenly Daddy-o!
His Word is truly living and always has a better idea than mine-thus I wandered into a dry and lonely place – and instead of being angry, His Word says he will not only provide a NEW thing, a new part of Him to discover, a new part of ME can possibly be revealed- It will “spring up”! He will also show me the path forward, AND give me water…precious isn’t it?
On a silly note, why must we have desert experiences when women are so well suited for dessert experiences, lol!
I think that the hardest thing we face as Christian women is forgiving ourselves. We have been taught that we should be able to handle all things and do them perfectly every time. It is a new year with a clean slate. What can we do to make this particular year different from last year?
I think we often make the mistake of to many resolutions. Pick one or two and focus on them. The Father is always a great place to start because without a personal relationship with Him, it does not matter how many Scripture verses we memorize or how much weight we loose (I’m with you there Erin). First we must learn to walk with Him and hear His voice and, harder yet, to abide with Him. Once we are growing toward God, the stresses in our lives are more easily handled.
Great devotional Erin, loved it.