After a trip to moms where plates of fried cabbage and bowls of black-eyed peas were served to ensure our health and prosperity for the New Year (yes, I live in the south), I now sit here as the New Year rolls in.
A new year.
A beginning.
A fresh start.
A do-over.
A challenge.
There’s something about the excitement of the new, though also a fear that rings. After weeks and days of praying, seeking, and searching for direction and goals to run toward this 2012 year, I’m left wondering.
Are these my goals?
Are they the Lord’s?
Are they attainable?
Are they reasonable?
Are they real?
As I make decisions spurring me on to be the leader that God has set within me, there’s an awakening. An awakening where at the core there’s anticipation. And through the anticipation there’s still a deeper question.
A question I seem to continue to throw back at God continually.
And just maybe it is a question you are asking too . . .
Am I capable?
It’s then through the noisy fireworks, the laughter, and the countdown of the last 2011 day that I’m reminded that God speaks in the smallest of voices as He whispered to me a few days ago, “Ask Me.” And so all those questions that haunted me, that slowed me, and have frustrated me I laid before Him.
Then in that still small voice (that inward voice that grips your soul) through Zechariah 4 I heard the Lord say, “The place where I’m calling you will not be entered by force, nor by strength, BUT by my loving Spirit. You are not to despise these small beginnings, but STOP and rejoice that you have opportunity to begin. Through your beginnings I can do great things. Begin and then give it to Me.”
As we enter 2012, are you feeling incapable of the goals you’ve set forth for the new year? Oh my heart feels you.
If you’re still left questioning, wondering, and really wanting to back down, I think, just maybe, the Lord is whispering to you too. Please treasure and borrow the precious whispers the Lord gave me and remember . . .
Through your ever so small beginnings He can do great things.
Oh wow, I really needed the scripture you quoted here. And some days I do feel incapable, not strong enough, to complete the task before me. Thank you for reminding me that even though I start out with small beginnings, He is faithful! Happy New Year!
Have you been reading my mail to God? Good heavens, it is as if this came straight out of my own heart. Wow! The Scripture from Zechariah spoke loudly to my heart. Thanks, Alene, for your transparancy. God used it to speak to me.
Happy New Year.
Happy New Year!
What is the verse and Bible edition you have mentioned in your post? I know it is Zechariah 4, right? I can not seem to find it?! Thanks for the help!!
Warmly,
Janet
Alene, the scripture (Zechariah 4)speaks to me in volumes. Thank you so much for this blessing!
Happy New Year!
What a wonderful reminder to stop, be still and listen. I think too often I go through life with questions and fears and forget to be still and listen to answers from within.
Great post! Happy New Year!!!
He CAN do great things….my goal this year is to stop fighting Him. I DON'T NEED TO DO IT ALL MYSELF. What a great reminder.
These are good thoughts about the New Year…needed actually
HE can do great things. Yes!
And that's what really matters. Too often I find myself trying to do great things on my own. Silly girl!
Ahhhhh. Trusting GOD to do great things in 2012!
Thank you for your confirming comments. I've been laid up in bed sick for what seems forever!!! Now I really feel like I"m running behind – but wait Alene, STOP!
Janet, I was reading in Zechariah 4 out of the NLT. The verses that spoke to me were 6 -10. What I quoted above are the paraphrased words the Lord spoke to me.
Thanks Alene! I will check it out. Great paraphrase!
Warmly,
Janet
I am loving that verse!!! Let us rejoice in small beginnings and take that step of faith! I think so many times we are focused on the BIG result that we don't appreciate the tiny start.
Thanks for this reminder. I pray that your Bible studies bless many women, that your words give life to those suffering and that your influence shines Christ to the world!!! Love and blessings :)
Oh no, I cannot do this.. I have tried before and failed. It is too big, too hard, too much. Too confusing, overwhelming and painful. But I can tell by what the people God has placed in my life are saying that I'm not getting out of it either! lol
Thanks for being one of those people!
Amy