A Word About New Seasons

I was thinking this morning about the importance of being in the right place! We recently moved to a different church after being at the last one for many years, and even though the change was for good, some of the comments we got were crazy! You see, at the last place, Jessica and I helped with worship, did kids’ ministry, and helped lead men’s and women’s groups. We served in many different areas during our time there. So, when trusted people, whom you love, say, “Why are you leaving? Where are you going? Are you starting over? You must be starting over!” Admittedly, thoughts creep in after hearing things (that’s why I remind you ALL THE TIME about the power of words), and it gets you thinking along those lines.

So how does it feel, mentally, when you go from somewhere you’re used to and feel like you’ve paid your dues to a brand-new place, as a brand-new face, and you’re faced with “starting over”?

Abraham faced this “starting over” in the Bible when God told him, “Go to a land I’ll show you.”

Moses also faced this “starting over” when he was told that he would, “Appear before Pharaoh and tell him to let my people go.”

Lastly, David faced this “starting over” when he was handpicked by God to leave the sheep of his father’s house and lead the sheep of the house of Israel.

Abraham, Moses, and David all had to be willing to change their environments and exchange their comforts to fulfill the plan of God for their lives. They had to give up supposed prominence for God’s prominence.

So despite what we heard, we went. And we started over in terms of time in a new church, but I remember something powerful that Dr. Jerry Savelle taught me: “God never forgets a seed sown.”

While we were the new people again, it was different! The relationships were being made faster. The services were taking root quicker. Dreams got fleshed out clearly. And most importantly, joy was amplified. There’s no substitute for being in the right place, at the right time, doing the right things, with the right people.

So if you’re facing a time and season of restart, let me encourage you with these words from the Bible:

“A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.”

‭Psalms 84:10 NLT‬

To summarize: spending a day where God is has more value than a lifetime where He’s not, and being a new person in the right place is better than being an important person in a place the Lord hasn’t sent you.

Trust God, let Him make the moves, let Him show you the place He has for you, and never be afraid to make a move when God is directing. God doesn’t look on the outside appearance; He looks on the heart!

Love you all so much,

Jeromiah