Look past the obstacles

 This morning, as I was waiting to cross the road, I looked to my left, to this construction site. The road currently leads nowhere. My first thought was, "Who builds these paths that flood so easily!" 

Then God interrupted, saying, "But you can cross that road, can't you? If you wanted to get to the other side, you would find a way". Then He reminded me that sometimes this is how the enemy works. He places roadblocks in our paths. It looks difficult to cross, but when you discern these roadblocks, nothing stops you from crossing! When you are on the right path, you will find obstacles popping up, trying to slow you down, or stop you from crossing, altogether. The water may wet your shoes, but it can't stop you from crossing, unless you give it that power.

"Small minded" people will see that water, and walk the other way. They will miss the blessing of pushing through. Not those who are secure in their God-given authority. These are the warriors who will walk through (or leap over!) that water, and then walk around the obstacles...they are undefeated by the enemy's tactics. When the path is clear, obstacles just become challenges to overcome. 

Let's not be "small minded". Let's choose to always look beyond the challenges of life, and find a way. When you face an obstacle, take God's hand and allow Him to guide you through. There will always be a way! 🦋

New season, new shoes

I recently resumed catching the train to work, after almost a year of driving. I missed the exercise, but discovered my "walking" work shoes were well past their expiry date. So, I replaced them, and the new pair are sooooo much more supportive (& clean!). 

Seeing my 2 pairs of shoes together, I was reminded of the changing seasons in life- we have begun a new season, and it is clear the old season was "well worn". It was full of good things - growth, struggles, joys. Good friendships and investing our gifts to our church. But, like the shoes, the season had an expiry point. These old shoes are well-worn. They have scratches & holes that let the water in when it rains. Their support has worn, meaning I could inflame an old achilles injury, with continued use. They are no longer useful for the current season. We need new "tools" for a fresh purpose. 

The new shoes not only look better, but feel better. They are well-suited for the current season. We would be silly to try to carry last season's "tools" into the new season. Sometimes we just need a small confirmation of the new in our lives. New shoes mean new purpose, a new journey. Moving forward, progressing, and not falling down or returning to the past- seriously, who would want to wear old shoes when you have new ones? 

I would love to wear prettier shoes to work, but I am blessed with a practical job, and these shoes are "fit for purpose". 

The old, worn shoes represent a good, full and active season. They fulfilled their purpose. It's now time to leave them behind and enjoy this new journey! 🦋

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!" ~Isaiah 43:18‭-‬19a NIV