The Best Time for New Beginnings Is Now

Do you want your life to look different? Maybe you started the year with a brand new lease on life, and it has quickly faded. Don’t give up. It is not too late, and the best time for new beginnings is now! 

You Can Be Who God Intended You to Be

It is never too late to be who God intended us to be. It doesn’t matter what we have done or not accomplished. We have to start, and there is nothing like the present. 

When You Think You Have Failed

When you think you have failed, let God be the judge and take input from others. We are much too critical of ourselves. Do you know what I mean?

At first glance, I felt like I had failed my spiritual goal from 2019. I wanted to be ready to step out of the boat with a deeper faith and keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. However, I hadn’t completed my goal in its entirety. You can read about Jesus and Peter walking on water here.

Although in working through the spiritual worksheets, talking with God, and listening to my wise husband, I realized I hadn’t failed at all. I did get out of the boat with my eyes fixed on Jesus on one significant endeavor of mine. Now, I might not have accomplished this goal of mine, yet steps in the right direction do indicate progress! 

Do you discount your steps when you can’t check it off your list as done?

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

Over the summer, I had a fantastic opportunity to do something that scared me spitless. I took the plunge and signed up at a writer’s conference to meet with publishers and agents to pitch a book idea. 

As I approached my first publisher, my knees were knocking, my hands were sweating, and my well-rehearsed pitch was nowhere to be found in the recess of my mind. Have you ever been at a complete loss for words? 

 As she started asking me questions, all my doubts came rushing to the forefront of my mind. The fear of rejection got the best of me. My voice cracked, and I couldn’t even recall what the name of my book was. It was a dreadful experience. At the first hint of a suggestion, I took it as criticism and was ready to give up.

That running monologue of you can’t do this, began taking over my thoughts. I stamped myself with failure and ended the meeting early. 

Taking all my thoughts of defeat, I headed straight to the privacy of my hotel room to weigh my options before my next appointment. I could quit. 

However, I live by the motto “Never Give Up.” Plus, I had promised God to get out of the boat this year. How could I break my vow to the Lord?  

I went straight to God in prayer. After a bit of whining, I sat and listened for His voice. In a whisper, I heard God loud and clear – “Maree, I have been with you every step of the way. Together, we have embraced the unexpected. This task is not beyond my strength. We have traveled through storms that threatened to drive you under the water. You can do this with me. However, you must take your eyes off of you and focus them on Me.”  

Immediately, I knew this was the best time for new beginnings, a fresh start. 

So I pulled it together and headed back for my afternoon appointments. What a difference! We chatted about my book, the excitement rose, and new ideas emerged. It was a fabulous afternoon meeting with wise publishers and agents. 

So why at first did I think I had failed. Well, I have put all the work of my book on a shelf and haven’t touched it since July. I struggled with letting go of obligations to make room for the time to write. Maybe fear has a little space there too. God and I are still working on that one.

Sometimes we don’t get as far as we want, but it certainly isn’t a failure.  

When You Can’t Hear God

This year I struggled and wrestled a bit with determining a spiritual goal for the new year. It seemed practical to keep the same one. I diligently worked through the packet, and then I waited and waited for direction from God. He was silent. 

Every day, I tried to force the words which kept coming to my mind. “Balance, Letting Go, Surrender, and more.”

Finally, one morning I awoke, with a word on my heart that I knew was from God. Of course, it seemed too simple, so I pulled out the thesaurus to find a more sophisticated one with a flash of pizzaz. Don’t worry; I quickly returned to my senses. After all, who questions God when you clearly hear His wisdom. The spiritual goal He chose for me is perfect, beautiful, and exactly where I need to concentrate on in 2020. 

My word this year will help me understand that the best time for new beginnings is now.  

My Spiritual Goal for 2020

Seek God in Everything

My Verse for 2020

“Seek His will in all you do, and

He will show you which path to take.”

 Proverbs 3:6  

Maree’s Word Phrase for 2020

Seek 

With a spiritual goal in place, we will be ready to set other ambitions. However, one big lesson I learned is as we try to take on new things, we must clear out the obstacles to make room for new beginnings.  

Let’s Clear the Obstacles Together

Are there things you want to accomplish, yet somehow obstacles keep getting in the way? They may have to do with time commitments, or maybe you are in the way. It is easy to let our insecurities, fear of failure, and circumstances take the lead.

Perhaps life has hit you with the unexpected, and you have tucked away your wants and desires. Join us in February as we are starting a new series on Letting Go to make room for new beginnings. 

What is holding you back from creating new beginnings right now?

Will you join me in setting a spiritual goal with God this year? 

2024 Embracing Goals | Choose the Most Important Goal First

Struggling to identify your life’s pivotal goal? ‘Embracing Goals’ workbook guides you to prioritize a spiritual pursuit that transforms. Say goodbye to failed resolutions; embrace personal growth with God at the center. Unlock unexpected success—commit, persevere, and align with His will. Take the leap today!

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