Here we are at the beginning of another new year. I think all of us like the idea of a fresh start. Of course, there is nothing magical about a new calendar date, but hope can be generated from the thought that things are going to change and get better.
If you are like me, you made a list of New Years Resolutions and fully planned to keep them, but… hey, I am not judging! We have all found out it takes more than good intentions and even will power to make lasting changes and personal growth to occur. We need God’s help! Aren’t you thankful we have it?
As I was looking toward this new year this phrase came to me, “It is time to step out, step in, and step up!” This simple definition of the word “step” gives us quite a visual: The act of moving & placing your foot forward, backward, sideways, up or down, as in walking, dancing, or climbing. We can readily see that stepping denotes action or movement!
I. Step Out
Before we can step into what God has prepared for us, we must step out of things that hold us bound. This requires making a decision to let go of the past. Sadly, there are those who never see the sunlight of tomorrow because they live in the shadow of yesterday!
Don’t let that be said of you. “Let go & let God” bring you into a glorious new day!
II. Step In
It is wonderful to realize what God has brought us out of, but it is just important to have knowledge of what He has brought us into! Colossians 1:13 says, “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:” (KJV)
We are part of the Kingdom of God. We are joint heirs with Jesus Christ. We have access to all the benefits of this amazing Kingdom! It is time for us to “Step In” to our rich inheritance!
III. Step Up
The Apostle Paul made this powerful statement in Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.” (AMP)
I love the phrase “…calling us upward.” Aren’t you glad it doesn’t say, “…calling us downward?” God doesn’t drag us through the mud, crud, muck, and mire to teach us something! He doesn’t grind us to powder! He doesn’t beat us down or make us feel lower than a worm. No! God always calls us upward!
“But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.” (Psalm 3:3 NKJV)
Question: Do you need a lift? I love these definitions of the word “lift:”
- To raise
- To elevate
- The aerodynamic force acting on an aircraft that is exerted in an upward direction, opposing the pull of gravity.
As believers, when we keep our gaze in an upward direction, the power of God opposes the pull of the world & devil. It is greater than the tactics, strategies, and lies of devil that try to pull us down! The devil tries to pull us down because he is headed down into the pit for eternity. But God draws us up, up, up, & away from things that would try to bind us and hold us down!!!
I encourage you to listen to this two-part series. God is calling us upward this year and we are stepping into what He has prepared for us!
