Move On!

This is not my real closet!

Ever have one of those days when you look into your closet and wonder, “What on earth have I been wearing?”  As you scan through your clothes you realize that nothing fits, it’s the wrong season, every color seems to be black, you don’t have shoes to go with it, it is no longer appropriate for your life style (in this case, I have no school clothes!), or it simply doesn’t feel like you anymore!  It becomes necessary to move on from that and find something new!  Shopping is not always a bad thing.  In fact, I’m probably the only one whose husband is truly happy when I finally buy new clothes.  I think he gets tired of hearing me complain that I have nothing to wear!  We don’t always need to totally get rid of what we are blessed to own.  Making a wiser choice is getting a little something new to enhance the old, or perhaps couple it with something else so it seems fresh and new.

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Now I must confess, I really don’t like the process of having to shop for clothes.  It typically means hours of frustration trying on and taking off in a little dressing room with smudged mirrors and nasty floors!  But with every disconcerted effort, I know that I’m closer to moving on and finding something that is suited for the present time.  I’d much rather close my eyes and let the new appear without moving through the process.  I clothe myself preparing for another season and I find it’s also another “season” of life.

The middle of September always makes me excited because I know that a new season is just around the corner.  My favorite in fact, Fall.  I see the gentle breezes begin to stir the hot humid air and the September evening showers have almost come to an end.  Cooler weather is supposed to be on the way.  Change!  Moving on from the past and stepping forward into the future.  I love seasons of change, speaking of weather; but what about those life seasons of change?!  It is now that I am beginning to sense another “season of change” for my life.  I find it interesting because I have just made major changes in my life this past August.  Change is not always easy for some people, in fact, hardly anyone I know!  

 To me, this appears to be the process of change:

• First come trials followed by opportunities for obedience or kicking against the goads.  
• Then comes the time of reckoning and repenting, followed by heart led obedience.
• Next, the process of change is in place and you wonder why you even questioned it in the first place.
• Lastly, you reflect on your personal growth and how God’s hand guided along the way.

As I think through the scriptures, I recall Bible characters and have meditated and studied about some of the changes in their lives and how they chose to move on.  They did not stay where they were but moved.  Take a moment to think through the lives of these and how they chose to move when God instructed:


   Moses moved on from living in the house of Pharaoh.  
            Abraham moved on when God told him to go to a land I will show you.
                    Jonah finally moved in the right direction.
                          David moved from young shepherd to king.
                               Joseph moved on after being despised and rejected by family.
                                     Disciples moved on proclaiming the gospel after Jesus’ death and resurrection.
                                          Paul moved on from persecuting to preaching.
                                                 Mary moved from the kitchen to the feet of Jesus.
                             Throughout scripture, there are many examples of people moving on!  

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On the last RESTORE Retreat, one of our ladies shared some insight that the Lord gave her as she walked around the lake taking pictures. I’d like to share part of her story because part of it pertains to moving vs. stagnant.  When we don’t move on with the Lord, there is a risk of becoming stagnant.  This is a complacent spirit.  There is no spiritual growth, no searching for the Lord, and doing things as usual.  It is like a stagnant pond/bog.  There are algae growing, mosquitos swarming, muck and mire.  Infestation and disease begin to pollute the non-moving water.  It is the opposite of “living water.”  We are challenged in God’s word to partake of the “living water.”

Here are a few words from an artist at the retreat:

“…Seeing that stagnant slew of water that was full of slime and dead leaves that was not moving – just there - Then comparing that view to the vibrant moving lake water with colors skipping across its surface as the gentle breeze blew across it – so full of life.  What caught my attention the most was the “reflections” of God through His creation – dancing with different shapes and colors. That contrast has stuck me with a new – restored desire to Reflect God – both through my paintings and the use of my time – For His Glory – and to gain and pursue a passion for Him.  It gives me a desire for taking the time to have mini retreats with Him…”

This lady gets it!  She desires to move on with Christ – gaining and pursuing a passion for Him…Jesus!  Change is fantastic!  It is moving on, moving forward, pursuing.  It is challenging, tough, beneficial and necessary.  Seeking, studying, staying excited about the Lord, fellowshipping with other believers and worshipping God keeps your spirit alive, thriving, and moving on!  It’s just like the moving water, reflecting and dancing with different shapes and colors…alive!  

How does this relate to my opening paragraph about clothes, seasons, moving through and moving on?  
Clothes are like the things (responsibilities, ministries, relationships, things to which we are called) we “take on” for a specific season.  They can be “for such a time as this.”  Maybe it is time to move on!  Perhaps you have out grown it, maybe it’s not appropriate to your life style at this time, maybe it’s uncomfortable, or it doesn’t fit or feel right for you during this period of your life.  Seasons of life and change come and go.  These clothes can also represent our personality, gifts, talents, and passions.  We don’t actually get rid of them but perhaps they need a fresh environment, or they need to be coupled with someone or something different to be better effective, challenged or enhanced.  I can’t help but to think about Jacob’s son, Joseph in Genesis 37.  This mans life was totally one big change after another!  And to top it off, his changes were really difficult.  Interesting too that in the New Testament he is an example of faith. (Hebrews 11:22)

"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.  Behold I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?  I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43: 18-19 (ESV)

                                               Do you perceive that it is time to move on?
                                                            What is it that hinders you?  

 I have talked with 3 different friends this week about moving.  As they have and are reflecting on the process, it was and is well worth it.  God knows the bigger picture!  Look at it as an adventure and more meaningful visits with God.  You will need to depend on His strength and He will be happy to carry you through.  It is for your own personal development and relationship with Him.  Move on with God as did the great heroes of the faith!  He is doing a new thing.  Look for it!  I love the verse above!

I came across this website full of scriptures about moving forward.
Click here for Bible verses about moving forward http://www.openbible.info/topics/moving_forward
I hope they will bring you into a place of comfort, challenge, and a cause for action.

God wants to work mightily in your life.  Remember that He goes before you, behind you and encircles you.

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
   "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Psalm 139
1For the leader. A psalm of David.

ILORD, you have probed me, you know me:

2you know when I sit and stand;*

you understand my thoughts from afar.

3You sift through my travels and my rest;

with all my ways you are familiar.

4Even before a word is on my tongue,

LORD, you know it all.

5Behind and before you encircle me

and rest your hand upon me.

6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

far too lofty for me to reach.

7Where can I go from your spirit?

From your presence, where can I flee?

8If I ascend to the heavens, you are there;

if I lie down in Sheol, there you are.

9If I take the wings of dawn*

and dwell beyond the sea,*

10Even there your hand guides me,

your right hand holds me fast.

11If I say, “Surely darkness shall hide me,

and night shall be my light”*--

12Darkness is not dark for you,

and night shines as the day.

Darkness and light are but one.

Seeking to Move On with Him,
Sherry


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