“But the LORD says, "Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago.”—Isaiah 43:18 (GNT)

As we are in the last month of 2019, we can look forward to 2020 as a new year and new beginnings. Any hardships, failures or disappointments can easily bitter a soul when they are dwelled upon. If 2019 has not been a good year for you, don’t let that define this next year. 

Last week, I encouraged you to thank God for one thing or say a prayer before you picked up your phone to check it as well as keep a journal about it. If you have been doing that, hopefully you can see that despite your circumstances, you still have daily blessings. 

I will never forget a sermon from a minister that talked about how we need our rearview mirror to drive because we have to look at it every now and then to see where we have been but we can’t drive only looking at the rear view mirror or we will crash. We have to look forward to get to where we are going.

When I heard this sermon, I was at a crossroads in my life. I had been leading and facilitating a support group for younger widows/widowers for 2 1/2 years and at the same time I was in a relationship that was getting serious. I was torn. This support group had been such a big part of my life. However, I knew that if I was going to fully be able to rebuild my life and let myself love again, that it was time to pass on the torch to someone else. 

This sermon was a confirmation of this. I could still reach out to other young widows, but I felt as if God was telling me that it was time to switch gears to drive mode or I would get stuck in reverse. 

I still look in my rear view mirror every now and then to remind myself of where I have been. I don’t ever want to forget God’s grace, mercy and provisions for me during that time in my life. This enables me to reach out to those that are grieving. Whether it is by sharing my story or knitting and praying over a gift that I make for someone, my past grief is what springs me into action to reach out to those that are hurting.

Life does go on for all of us. It may not be what we expected it to look like, but God can and will bring glory out if it, if we let Him. If you are keeping your gear in reverse or neutral, what can you do to shift it to drive? Can you volunteer somewhere to take the focus off of your circumstances to make a difference in someone else’s life? 

This Christmas season is the perfect opportunity to put yourself out there to volunteer. If the thought of volunteering with strangers give you anxiety, start by bringing a meal to a neighbor or drop off some treats at an assisted living center. Whatever it is, try to do something that can bring a smile to your face. I know every time I visit a senior living facility, my heart is filled. They are so grateful to have visitors.

Dear Lord, 

Help me to not cling to past events. I ask for You to renew my spirit. Thank You that my past is my past and You don’t let that define me. You can and will use any hurt from my life and use it for Your glory. Praise Jesus! Lead me to people and activities that will help me shift gears to action not complacency. It is in the name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen.

December Memory Verse

Will you join me this month in memorizing Isaiah 43:18

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”—Isaiah 43:18

Please make sure you tweet @KnitPrayShare or share your projects on the Knit, Pray, Share Facebook page or Instagram using the hashtag #KnitPrayShare. Be sure to attach a tag to whatever gift you make.