As a young girl I spent many hours visiting with the neighbors in our small, rural neighborhood. Nearly every Saturday, I’d lace up my shoes, run down the hill and cross the road for a day of visiting. And every Saturday, just before I’d leave the house, momma would faithfully ask a question that’s ringing in my heart today.
“Where are you going?”
My response isn’t quite the same as it was back then. I’m no longer running across the road to visit the neighbors, but I am running into 2017 with a newfound excitement and anticipation about what God wants to do in your life and mine.
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
2017 is taking me back to my momma’s question, and so today I ask, “where are you going?” Your answer probably won’t look anything like mine. But can I tell you that when I answered that question honestly, my response had me on my knees proclaiming one thing: “Here I am, Lord, I’m ready to change!”
Beth Moore made a statement in her study, Entrusted, that keeps coming back to me. She said, “What happens now matters then.”
My friends, time is ticking away. If you and I want an abundant life for ourselves and our loved ones it begins with making intentional decisions today.
Tweet ThisSo, here’s how I’m working through my fresh start, and I’m inviting you to come along with me.
A fresh start begins with prayer.
First, I’m getting on my knees in prayer and surrendering my place in life to the Lord. I’m thanking Him for where He’s brought me from and where He’s taking me now.
Next, I’m asking for His wisdom and revelation over my life. As I read His Word I’m seeking the scriptures He wants me to claim for this season of my life.
Then, I’m reflecting and taking notes. As I pray and process my future with the Lord, here are some questions I’m asking. I invite you to use these questions as you process your future and see where God leads you. You may want to put your responses in writing to make it more official and hold you accountable to the decisions you are making.
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What is great in my life right now?
Give thanks for the great things. Think about your family, ministry, career, relationships (with God and others) and yourself. If nothing feels great, express that to the Lord and ask for His help. Perhaps a shift in perspective is awaiting you or maybe there’s something you need to let go of to make room for greatness.
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What needs adjusted in my life?
Answering this question truthfully might be the hardest thing you’ll do as you seek a fresh start, but I want to encourage you to not skip over it. It’s often in the tackling of the toughest areas in our lives that we are propelled forward. Process this question with your family, ministry, career, relationships and self in mind.
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What would I like to accomplish?
This is your dream session. What would make your heart sing in 2017? Again, think about your desires for your family, ministry, career, relationships and self.
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What will it take for me to look back on 2017 with a sense of achievement?
Once you’ve identified what needs adjusted and you’ve spent time dreaming about what you would like to accomplish, now you can start creating a plan. Some of your largest goals will be achieved through a series of small steps. Write out your steps and make a plan. Share your plan with someone who will support you, and then, advance with the end in mind.
2017 has the potential to be amazing! How do I know? Because, “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
Embrace your fresh start today, and move into the abundant future awaiting you!
If I can pray for you as you embark on your fresh start. Leave your request in the comments. I’ll add you to my prayer list and be praying for you over the next few months. Blessings to you!
Leigh Ellen
Guest Contributor:
Leigh Ellen Eades is a writer on a mission to tell Jesus’ story. She’s passionate about her family, treasures coffee with friends and relishes quiet moments reading a book. You can connect with Leigh Ellen on Facebook, Twitter or her blog.
www.raisinganarrow.org, www.facebook.com/raisinganarrow.org, www.twitter.com/leighellen7
Leigh Ellen, this is such a great post. I’m printing this to use throughout this year and beyond. Thank you for sharing it!
Thank you, Kimberly!
Thanks for the amazing encouragement today, Leigh Ellen! This was just the little push I needed this morning:) It”s easy to get distracted around this time of January, when all the ‘newness’ begins to wear off, but the Scripture you shared here brings me refreshment today. Thank you!
Kristine, I am so happy it was a blessing to you! Blessings to you!
Are you a life coach as well as inspirer and writer?? (: Great steps and questions and inspiration – You can pray for me as I try to answer question #3. It’s difficult to do the strategy until I have the dream. In a sense, I feel I am living the dream – I’m content – but there’s always more to accomplish in God’s economy and vision. One thing that’s come to mind is to write another retreat series – on the other hand, I need to be asked to speak more – I have 3 in 2017 and am praying for 3 more. On the other hand, maybe He’s prefer that I do a neighborhood outreach study?? Not sure. Perhaps these different gals I’m mtg with for coffee and walks would want a formal study ? Not sure. I do know God is most interested in bringing more sheep inside the fold. So that’s my dream – the how? Not so sure. So thanks for asking for requests and I’ll keep you posted on His answers.
Sue, you are so sweet! It sounds like you have a lot of options on your plate. I will be praying for you to know exactly what the Lord wants you to do. Blessings to you!
thanks so much – mtg w/ my designer tomorrow and will be linking your post soon
Small steps add up over time!! I’m praying I God will help me remain faithful to keep taking them in the right direction. Thanks for this encouraging read!