A Different Mindset
A New Year, a new decade, a new season is upon us.
A New Year always seems to bring a sense of freshness and expectancy. Perhaps that is why resolutions for the New Year usually accompany the dawning of the new day.
However, after some days, weeks and perhaps even months go by, and the expected results have not surfaced, discouragement comes and soon our great resolutions are set aside with a sense of failure and disappointment accompanying the defeat.
As believers, we are to live with a vastly different mindset. When God set His plan in place it wasn’t with the “hope” that things might work out, like a New Year’s resolution. God’s plan was a done deal from the beginning.
Take for example; the promise God gave the children of Israel, through Moses, concerning the land of Canaan. The spies were to go into the land with the proclamation, “WHICH I AM GIVING TO THEM.” It was part of God’s plan.
However, it would require seeing beyond what the natural eye could see. Most of the spies sent to Canaan saw the mighty Canaanites only with their natural eyes and returned to Moses quaking in their sandals. Their report was bathed in doubt: “We were like grasshoppers in our own sight.” That is what looking at yourselves will get you, fear and uncertainty… even in what you believe you have heard from God for your future.
Looking at yourself and seeing your own inability will also tend towards wanting to blame someone or something else for your failure just as the Israelites did. God said of them, “I have heard the complaints which they made against Me!” Not only did they complain individually, they spread their doubt and bitterness to all who would listen. Their doubt caused all the congregation to complain because of their bad report about the land.
God’s plan and His reply to this sad situation was, ”But, your little ones, whom you said would be victims… I will bring in and they shall know the land which you have despised!” The steadfastness and surety of His plan would take place, though they would miss the blessing due to their lack of faith.
When God is in a thing – we need NEVER fear the results. The fear of man is without foundation. God is greater than ALL obstacles, interferences, human reason or weaknesses. What He has spoken He WILL fulfill.
As we enter this New Year, New Decade and New Season, there may appear to be some giants in your pathway. You may feel that you don’t have all the answers you desire. Do not make the mistake the Israelites did by seeing themselves only as grasshoppers.
We are contending for a new — a greater level of faith.
We are moving beyond measure into fullness.
We are walking an exciting journey in this adventure of faith.
Believe!
@CARROL SEE
I AGREE, JANE;; If we His people, would concentrate on His Beautiful Light, and not be so fast to murmer and complain (as the Israelites did in the desert), and align our words, actions and thoughts on the Word of God, the world would so be a better place, our Body of Christ would mature, and things would be “different”==based on the firm foundation of God’s Love==
THANK YOU, for all you do, and especially for the upcoming opportunity of a TRIP OF A LIFETIME TO ISRAEL, to pray and seek His Face, in His Holy Land Israel. I am praying about being able to join you, thru the generosity of my wonderful mom, who is 92, who wants to send ME. Hallelujah!!!
Just received this, and how encouraging. Amen to walking towards the light, and in the light.
The word you wrote confirms what the Lord has been speaking to me. He wants us to live knowing we are already in the promised land – the land flowing with milk and honey, not as if we are still trying to get there. The giants and circumstances are “bread” for us, they are not there for defeating us. (Number 10-13) If we only see the giants and the circumstances, we will seem as grasshoppers. He wants us to live as “Haves” not “Have Nots, trying to get”. If we will only believe, we will see the glory of the Lord. Thank you
for the word of encouragement.
Hi, I’m looking forward to being with you in Chattanooga soon. I have had attack after attack since I first called the first time. last night was A turning point in this thing. My faith
became more full and strong.
God’s word is His will. as we walk in His Word we are dangerous to satan. he “satan”
comes after the Word to take it away.
1 John 5:14-15
And this is the confidence and the assurance, the privilege of boldness which we have in Him: we are sure that if we ask anything, or make any request according to His will [or the word being in agreement with His own plan, He listens to and hears us. And if since we positively know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know; have settled with absolute knowledge that we have; or He has granted us as our present possessions the requests made of Him. IN JESUS NAME. Aretta better known as Parsonsmom on PCIM
Jane, thank you for this insight. I am learning day by day to “Believe” in a new and better way. Believe.. not focusing on my prayers, desires, hopes and dreams, but to Believe “In His Name” and in His Love and good purpose for my life as He has ordained it. It is easy to fear for your life, person, circumstances etc…..By faith In His Name….is what causes miracles to happen.
Thank you for encouraging us to contend for the faith and believe in and on the Lord. I am so happy you started a blog. It is a blessing. By the way, my New Years Resolution is based on my age..smiles and it is…”IF NOT NOW, WHEN?”
You are right, Jane. Thank you for your sharing. How many times have we wasted our time and energy because we focused on our failures and seemingly ‘lacks’? On 1st January, I wrote my New Year resolution, and the first one on the list is: Stop complaining.
This complaining can be verbal, or just grumbling in our heart, or even unknowingly manifesting in our actions. This is the norm of the world, everybody does it, but we are different because Christ is in us; so my second resolution is: Align my words, actions and thoughts with the Word of God.
So, help me Lord, I am willing.
That is so cool and encourages me because what I wrote in my (Aglow) journal on Jan 3rd was this:
“I praise you that you have plans for me and that you will bring them to be because you are the Almighty God and you created me for a purpose and your will will be done in me. Thanks you Lord! Amen”