This New Beginnings devotion is #2 of the 4 Part  “NEW Series”. The series is a group of devotions I felt the Lord putting on my heart for the NEW YEAR.  Here’s last week’s INTRO/NEW STRENGTH, I sensed Holy Spirit inspiring me to share hope and refreshing words with you. 

The devos will follow along the same format as my normal #SoulH2O devotions except the last one will have a bonus post later in the week for the first week in February.           

I hope these posts build up your expectation for the great things God desires to do in and through you in 2017!  Praying you take hold of all He has for you this year!

Be Blessed & Refreshed,
        <3 Sherry Stahl

 NEW BEGINNINGS 

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin.”
Zechariah 4:10  NLT
“Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be.”
Job 8:7   NLT

New Beginnings can be a scary thing.  Have you ever lost a job and been forced into a new career, possibly with less pay?  Ever had a relationship breakdown that left you starting over?

The culture of the business world and society we live in makes these scenarios a common occurrence.  In 2012 I was remarried and wrote my first book.  Talk about new beginnings with huge life changes both personally and professionally.

It seemed like my life was finally turning around.  Marriage to Todd was an easy adjustment, I never knew love could be like this.  I had high hopes of WATER IN THE DESERT hitting the stores and flying off the bookshelves.  It didn’t happen.

The mindset of our times teach that, “If you build it, they will come” and are filled with “Get Rich Quick” schemes.  So when you stick your neck out, follow God’s call and you’re not an “Overnight Success”, it makes you question if you did the right thing.

Did God really call you to start that business, marry that guy or say yes to that ministry opportunity?

  Zechariah and the Israelites experienced a lot of new beginnings.  They understood these questions.  They felt your fear.  The Israelites had started rebuilding the temple after a previous group gave up about 16 years earlier.  The generation before gave up when they were harassed by the Samaritans.

God spoke to His people through Zechariah and encouraged them to keep going.  They were afraid they didn’t have what it took to finish the task God called them to.  God let them know that it wouldn’t get done in their strength, but it would in His.1

Today you may be facing a new beginning or have started into a new adventure and fear is screaming that you won’t make it.  Learn to silence the lying enemy and those negative thoughts by quoting these two scriptures to your fear.

Prayer

Father…I thank You for being with me in every stage of my life.  Help me not to fear when I’m given the opportunity for a new beginning.  May I focus my attention on Your words that make clear you’re happy when we start something new.  Help us to be diligent in what you’ve called us to and not give up until You prosper us in the dram you’ve given.  In Jesus Name…Amen

[tweetthis]Small Beginnings lead to BIG Things when God’s involved![/tweetthis]

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1        Zechariah 4:6

YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis,
TUESDAY Cheerleaders of Faith #RARaLinkup – Kelly Balarie,
WEDNESDAY Coffee For Your Heart – Holley Gerth, Word Nerd Wednesdays — Liz Giertz
THURSDAY Heart Encouragement Thursday – Crystal Storms,
FRIDAY Dance With Jesus Linkup – Susan B. Mead, Grace and Truth Linkup – Arabah Joy, Counting My Blessings – Deb Wolf, Fresh Market Friday – Crystal Twaddell

Sherry Stahl