A New Thing

God is doing a new thing. After my word being Shalom for a year, I do believe it one of those lifetime words that keep coming alive continuously. This year I got more of a phrase than a word. It is that God is doing a new thing.

I like that.

A new thing where I can rest in God as He shapes who I am, what I do, and does something new in me. He is trading ashes of my story for beauty. He is showing me who He is in new depths. He is allowing me to find what it is like to produce fruit by abiding in Him.

With new, must come new wineskins. I'm not exactly excited about growth pains- admittedly. But I am excited about growth. I am excited to see God take the places where He has unearthed lies from my past and watch Him fill me with His love.

"He told them this parable: “No one tears a piece out of a new garment to patch an old one. Otherwise, they will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.  And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for they say, ‘The old is better.’ ” (Luke 5:36-39 NIV)

I don't plan on making new year resolutions, but rather lifestyle of showing up, giving all my fishes and loaves to God and resting on Him while He does the rest.

God has shown me that He is MORE than I ever realized He is:

• Redeemer (One who takes my sins and sets me free)

• Hope (One who has good plans for me)

• Protector (One who keeps me hidden and my heart safe)

• Writer (One who gives me words and has the Ultimate story)

• Beloved (One who desires me to seek Him, and one who loves me)

• Groom of the Bride (One who pursues and loves His church)

• Father (One who dances with me and disciplines me when I need it)

• Lord (One who asks me to submit my talents to Him)

• Good Master (One who gives me talents to invest in and grow)

• Creator (One who made the heavens and earth and gives me my creativity)

• Warrior who thwarts the Enemy (One who bolsters my soul and gives me wisdom to keep safe and sends the enemy packing as we pray)

Part of God doing a new thing in me is knowing more of Him.

As I know more of Him the more fully I can be me.

I do believe that this new thing will include a deepening of what He began in this messy journey of healing as I grow spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. I'll pray that He does that for you too!

Dear Lord, Thank You for doing a new thing. Lord, I give You my year. I give You my talents. I give You me. Lord may we all grow spiritually, emotionally, and relationally this year. Will You do what only You can do in our lives and be glorified in it. In Jesus Name Amen.

with joy,

MJ