WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO YOU IN THIS NEW SEASON? THE POWER OF HEARING GOD AFRESH FOR YOUR LIFE
As the calendar turns a fresh page and the new year unfolds before us, many find themselves wavering between expectancy and resignation in their spiritual lives. We craft resolutions, set ambitious goals, and map out plans for personal growth and success. Yet, amidst the hustle to define our path for the next twelve months, we often overlook the most crucial step: pausing to listen to how God is uniquely directing us in this season.
One of the most important phrases in the entire Bible is "the Lord said" which appears thousands of times in scripture bringing clarity and direction to His people. Take for example in the first chapter of the book of Joshua as the nation of Israel navigated both the death of their dynamic leader Moses and the uncertainty around their future conquest of the promised land. Right in the midst of this momentous situation God speaks, "After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: "Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses."
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As the first few chapters of the book of Joshua unfold, God continues to give His people and leaders timely direction and encouragement. Take for example these scriptures:
Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Joshua 1:6
And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses." Joshua 3:7
Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days." Joshua 6:2-3
It is amazing to see how faithful God was to speak to Joshua at every juncture of his journey and I believe he similarly wants to speak to you and I in our journeys. Have we taken the time to press into God to hear what He wants to say to us in this unique season? Or, are we just running along on a previous season's word and direction or disconnected from God's voice? Here are a few things from the book of Joshua I believe God is speaking to E4 for this next season:
1. THIS CAN BE A SEASON OF FULFILLMENT FOR YOU, YOUR FAMILY, AND THE BODY OF CHRIST. Joshua and the people of God had endured forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Forty years of struggle. Forty years of stops and starts. Forty years of victories and defeats. Yet here they were right on the precipice of a new season in which God would fulfill His promises and take them into the land. What "land" are you believing God to give you this year. Is it your own spiritual growth and development? Is it ground in your marriage or family? Is it ground in your ministry? We believe this can be a year of taking significant ground for the kingdom of God and areas that seemed difficult and impossible to reach will be opened to us.
2. WE HAVE TO LET GO OF OUR PAST TO FULLY WALK INTO OUR FUTURE. Israel had quite a few things in their past that could have hindered them from fully entering into their new season. Israel had the pain and shame of not only their Egyptian captivity, but their numerous "failures' along the way. It would have been really easy for them to doubt this season was going to be any different. Yet God told them in Joshua 5:9, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” In other words, I don't want you dwelling and focusing on your past, but on what I am currently doing NOW. I believe God wants to renew our lives with fresh vision and fresh hope as we let go of the past.
3. WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE'RE ALIGNED WITH GOD'S PURPOSES AND NOT JUST ASKING GOD TO BLESS OUR PURPOSES AND CAUSES. In Joshua 5:13-15 we see Joshua encounter a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword. He asks him which side he is on, "Are you for us or for our enemies?” His response is unexpected: "Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” The lesson for us? God's purposes are much more important than us being right or wrong or asking God to bless "our causes." Make sure you are aligned with God's heart in this season.
We can't wait to see all that the Lord has in store for you and for us in 2026 as we seek Him freshly!
