“See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19
“Are you ready to blaze new trails?” Two years ago I would have answered that question with a simple, no.
Pioneer – (noun) a person who is among the first to explore or settle in a new country or area. (Verb) develop or be the first to use or apply a new method, area of knowledge or activity.
But then God said “wake up, love” and so I did. (He is saying that to you too!) Now, I’ll admit I didn’t always choose joy at first, often fear would show it’s face. But each time I would keep moving forward, crawling, walking slowly looking over my shoulder at times, other times being gently pulled along by people who love me- and you know what it got easier and my endurance would grow and grow each time! I learned joy isn’t a feeling, neither is peace. They’re responses (fruits) of choosing to abide in a Spirit filled life.
And 10 years ago I thought I was content baking and knitting and growing flowers, tucked safely in my nest with the best husband and three healthy children. I thought a beautiful life meant I had things in control and it all looked great on Instagram. But guess what happened….
Slowly we weathered storms as a family, unexpected, absolutely devastating losses at times. All while God was calling me in my dreams to nations and dream languages and new revelations. Kids were growing up, Thank God, because the alternative is unfathomable. Change is a constant regardless of how we feel about it. It is beautiful that when the enemy stole life and moments and peace from me – he didn’t see what was coming next in my life and guess what I’m not sitting down and being quiet out of fear anymore. And I hope you won’t either. Get up. I hear the Lord saying “there are new trails to blaze”.
Not settling is hardwired in us, from when He knit us together in our mother’s womb. We are made to pioneer!! But we often allow the world to tell us otherwise, to shape and mold us to be okay with barely making it, or striving to fit the cookie cutter mold of what a “successful” life looks like. Fear holds us in the same place, and I don’t mean the same house or town. I mean in mental prisons often afraid to step onto a trail unmarked or uncleared.
Stop looking around you, just get to work. (and sometimes work looks like rest, like waiting. Regardless, Just do What He says (John 2:5) )
Today let’s pray we sit and listen for the Lord to direct our steps without fear of what it looks like up ahead, ask Him to uncover any area you may have “settled”. He will. He is faithful. Also remember prayer is talking to God, don’t struggle with it. He is big, good, and loving enough for all your words, questions and emotions.
Shannon R. Hess 