MOVING FORWARD â—½ ENCOURAGEMENT
Something New
by Pam Charro
Well, I have again had to let some things go recently, and I'm feeling a little sad and disappointed. Apparently I'm not one of those people who easily release the familiar, and I feel empty. Maybe even a little depressed.
I remember a time in my life when I literally had to be driven out by cockroaches before I would leave my old apartment. The people on the other side of the duplex brought in those wonderful little black ones that are practically impossible to get rid of, and nothing we did worked, even months after the other family had moved out. We were eventually told that we had to move so that the landlady could deal with them aggressively, without tenants in the way. I was terrified.
"But, Lord, it's so inexpensive here, where will we get the money to live elsewhere? This has been perfect for us." And, of course, God provided the extra money and a much nicer apartment.
I've found that I often tend to resist when God wants to give me something new. I didn't grow up with much, and letting go of what already seems to be good enough is scary to me. I can feel so attached to the familiar, even when I know it is inferior to God's best. I never really know when to let go until I have absolutely no other choice. And, in more than one area of my life right now, that seems to be the case.
But I'm also realizing, despite the sadness, that I'm excited and expectant as well. God has been teaching me the boldness and clarity to ask for exactly what I want, and the faith to trust him for the outcome. It's still a little scary to not know what is coming because I've never had this before, but that's also what makes it exciting. New is never familiar - that's why it's new!
So now I'm thanking God in advance for his good plans to fill my current emptiness and for his grace and patience with me as I grow. It's time for his best, the fulfillment of prayers and waiting.
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Time for something new.