New Beginnings

Life has a way of taking us by surprise sometimes. It may be a job relocation that has you uprooting your family and moving to a new place. It could be a family member is ill and you have to shift things to help, possibly even move. You could even be facing a loss and are trying to find a way of coping. There are many times when the events of life can take us by surprise. Those events do not have to life shattering, they could be stepping stones to a new beginning, a new future you may not have even considered or thought possible.

New beginnings do not have to be scary things, instead we can look at it as an adventure, leading us into the unknown. Instead of allowing fear to overwhelm us, we can face these times with anticipation of the outcome. The process may not be easy, but God works all things together for the good of those who are in Christ Jesus. So the outcome of it all will be good, even if we can't see that good right now.

A couple of weeks ago I was looking at my current circumstances and became overwhelmed. I did not see a way out. It was tempting to cover it up and deal with it all on my own, however, I knew I had to share it. I told some trusted friends and they not only prayed for me, encouraged me and helped me, they also helped to shift my perspective. Since I met with them I have looked at this time as a new beginning. A way of expanding, growing and changing. I now see it as an opportunity and not a devastation.

The first thing to do when facing something that can change your entire life, is reach out to God. Before I met with my friends, I prayed in the car for a half an hour and I asked God to intervene, because I could not see a way out. Secondly, find a trusted friend so you don't have to face it alone. Allow your friend to speak life into the situation, bring encouragement and help. Both of these are important so you don't try to tackle it on your own. Every time I tackle things on my own, I falter. Sometimes I need to see another person's perspective to get out from under the weight.

I've been reading Exodus lately and it reminds me that there are wilderness times in our lives, these times have a purpose. They demonstrate God's provision, protection and power in our lives and it teaches us how to rely on Him. No matter what life changing event you are facing today, try thinking of it as a new beginning rather than a loss. It has turned my anxiety into peace and joy and I know it can do the same for you.