Embracing Change

I begin a new job this Monday. There is always a certain amount of anxiety and hesitation associated with something new.  Despite my nerves, I'm really looking forward to this new challenge because I know with every challenge in life there is great opportunity.  I know, however, that in order to truly experience all that this new job has to offer I must let go of the past.

This experience reminds me a lot of our spiritual journey in life. God is always on the move. He is constantly working His "master plan." Jesus noted this when he said, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working" (John 5:17).

God's plan often involves us as His children. Keeping step with God may require that we let go of the past and embrace what is new. In my case, it is a new job that will involve making new friends, building relationships with people I have never met, perhaps learning a new skill, and definitely being challenged in ways I had not yet previously imagined.

I heard a great quote the other day that went something like this: "You cannot embrace the new thing God is doing in your life if you hang on to the past." This is really true. As new creations in Christ, we are asked to let go of the past so we can enjoy the future in God's kingdom.

But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Phil. 3:13,14)

What is God calling you to do? It may not be a new job, but He may be leading you into a new opportunity of your own.  Perhaps it is time to clean out the closet and let go of those old clothes that you will never wear.  Maybe it is time to jump into a new ministry or even attend a new church.  Maybe you are stuck in an unhealthy relationship that you know God is asking you to end. God may be asking you to make other significant life decisions like quitting smoking cigarettes or eliminating alcohol.  You may have considered having a child but you are unsure because of social or financial pressures that pale in comparison to the joy and blessing with raising children. 

There are any number of decisions on your horizon, but they involve change.  So are you open to change or are you still clinging to the past?  This "new thing" God is asking you to do may require that you grab onto it with both hands so let go of the past!