New Year. New Ground.

As we step into this new year, there is anticipation and excitement starting to bubble up.  The question is, what is in store for each of us in 2022?    

The last two years have held a lot for each of us.   We have gone through heartache and pain and have received new gifts, tools, and ways to approach life.  I believe that all that we have walked through over the past couple of years has set us up for what is to come this new year, 2022.  I also believe that God doesn’t waste a thing.  What has happened over the past two years, He will use in this new year. 

Remembering the Testimony

On the first Sunday of this year, I shared the story of Joshua and Caleb, leading the Israelites into the promised land.  They were the ones that believed God and took Him at his word, even when they faced adversity and what could seem very scary at times.  

The generation before them saw miracle after miracle, but when things looked too hard, and the giants in front of them looked too big, they gave up and were willing to return to Egypt and give up the promised land that God had gave them. The amazing thing was that God did not give up on His word but waited for the older generation to die off to then usher the younger generation into this Promised Land he had for them.  

There is so much to the story that I would love for you to hear.  You can check out this message on our podcast or YouTube page.  As you listen or joined us on Sunday, there are a few things that I want us to remember as we step into this new year.  

• Joshua and Caleb saw the same promised land as the other ten men.  They saw the land flowing with milk and honey, the incredible fruit, and even the giants that were occupying the land, but they came back with a report that God had something great to give them if they would just follow His lead. They Believed even when things looked hard and impossible. Because they believed in God and what He said, they were the men that led Israel into the promised land. 

• God didn’t give up on the word He gave to the Israelites just because the older generation wouldn’t believe Him.  He waited for them all to die off and gave it to the next generation that saw something different, and that did believe.

• The younger generation knew the miracles that had taken place with their ancestors.  When they faced floodwaters, they didn’t hesitate to follow the presence of the Lord and go in.  They knew that He had parted the Red Sea before, so he could do it again here at the Jordan river. Trust was built in the hearts of these people because of the testimony of what God had done before!!! 

A New Territory

I believe that what 2022 is bringing will require us to have faith in what Jesus is telling us and remember the testimonies of what He has done before.  We get to build our relationship with the Lord and trust Him to move on our hearts to go in the direction He has for us.

As I was spending time with the Lord, preparing my message for Sunday, He had me write this down – I believe it is for each of us to step into and walk with the Lord in 2022.  

The Lord is moving us into new territory.  Places where you have been waiting to go but never thought possible.  He is guiding your steps and reminding us to keep our eyes on Him as we enter this new year.  Do not look to the right or to the left or you might get distracted.  Keep your eyes on Him and He will lead you.  

New territory is coming in relationships. 

New territory is coming in business ventures.  

Dreams that have been on your heart for years are starting to happen this year.  

Creativity is being birthed in you and you will see it grow this year as you step out as He leads.  

Over the past two years, your roots have grown stronger and gone deeper, preparing you and giving you the tools you need as you step into this new year.  He will not waste anything you have walked through.  He will use it all for His glory and to bring testimony of His goodness out of your life.  

This new ground will not come in your own strength or wisdom.  He wants to do the impossible for you, just as He has done it for the Israelites that day at the flood waters of the Jordan River.  Take the step of faith, no matter what stage the waters are at, because He is with you and will part ways for you to step onto dry ground and enter the places He has prepared you to go.  

Believing God at His Word

This is the anticipation and excitement I am feeling for this new year. Will you say yes?  Will you be like this younger generation of Israelites that saw God for who he was, stepping into the promises He has for you! I believe that we, here at Living Waters, can have a huge impact in this world, if we would give God our yes, take Him at His word, and move forward as He leads, even if it is flood waters ahead!  

Follow His lead!  He is trustworthy!  I promise!