Stop obsessing over what was. Step into your new season.
By Dianna Hobbs // Inspiration
“Dianna, stop competing with your old self,” a voice said to me. And I immediately knew it was the voice of God.
On the morning when this occurred, this simple yet profound word was my divinely-sent epiphany that instantly gave me some much-needed peace.
I had been lamenting how hard it was (and still is) to regain my rhythm and slip back into my pre-ministroke roles. My brain just will not cooperate with me some days, and this has been tough. Sometimes, life feels confusing and chaotic, and I just can’t seem to make sense of things.
Though that feels uncomfortable to me, and I would like to unravel all the mysteries I can’t understand, God is teaching me daily to trust Him more.
Sure, I may be different now and unable to do some things as effectively or efficiently as I used to, but God is still the same. His power hasn’t changed, and His strength remains unmatched. There is nothing too hard for Him.
As I always say, when I am weak, He is strong.
“Yes, Lord,” I quietly responded to God’s instruction to stop trying to replicate who I used to be. And when I said yes, I meant it. I made a decision. No more trying to go back to the “good old days.” From that day on, I fully committed to walking by faith and simply doing whatever I could with what I have left to honor God. I went from grieving the past to looking forward to even greater things to come, no matter how difficult the journey.
That day, God led me to Zechariah 4:6, where He says, “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.”
“By the power of God, you are entering into a new season. And though things may not look the way you expected them to, God is yet up to something so good!”
In Zechariah 4, an angel spoke to the Prophet Zechariah concerning Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, who was chosen by God to lead His people in rebuilding the temple. At the time, Zerubbabel lacked the abundant resources he had access to while building the first temple. Worse yet, rebuilding efforts were delayed by the opposition of Israel’s adversaries (Ezra 4:1-24). Therefore, the Israelites’ ability to move forward and succeed in their efforts were greatly hindered.
How frustrating!
Clearly, the circumstances were less than ideal, but God reminded Zerubbabel that His divine power was not limited by human lack or opposition. And by His unlimited power, Israel would rebuild.
I was thankful God reminded me of that Bible passage when I needed it, and I’m passing it along to you just in case you need it today.
Perhaps you are going through a rebuilding season, and you need God to restore you, renew you, and refresh you. In order to move forward in the things of God, you need to forget what’s behind you. Stop looking in your rear-view mirror at the way things were, and step into your new season, and praise God for the way things shall be.
My friend, God is doing something new and different in this season – for both me and you. Be encouraged. He’s up to something good.
To remind you of this truth, I’m stirring Isaiah 43:18-19b NIV into your cup of inspiration, which says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”
Let’s pray.
God, I don’t understand everything You’re doing, and uncertainty feels uncomfortable. But still, I trust You. My soul magnifies You and rejoices in advance for restoration and the new season of blessings I’m stepping into by Your power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
