Our physical actions usually stem from our deep-rooted thoughts. Therefore, the appropriate mindset (thoughts) is necessary for navigating every season in life. Sometimes, deep rooted unbecoming thoughts can shape our mindsets and hinder us from taking the right actions and properly navigating new seasons of life.
At times, the former seasons may have been full of pain, hardship, disappointments etc. The lingering memories of past hardships in former seasons can be mind-gripping in new seasons and inhibit us from making the most of the new beginnings and exploits that come with the new season.
I witnessed a lot of rejections while struggling for professional growth. Then in my hard moment, God sent me a voice of comfort. A sister in the faith. I recounted to her the pain I felt and she kept praying for me. She told me sometimes, human rejection in some seasons is God’s way of positioning us, guiding us towards fulfilling purpose. She said when it’s God’s time for uplifting, we would witness supernatural favor, open doors and opportunities that are beyond human comprehension. This sister advised me to keep serving in my current place of work or service, while still working towards growth. Nevertheless, she advised me to keep praising God, avoid worrying and rather worship in joy because with joy we draw water from the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3). She told me that sometimes, when we worry a lot, we miss the voice of God amidst our situation as the voice of our thoughts is what is loudest. I heeded to this advice, nevertheless, I noticed every time I thought about continually serving where I am and thinking on the new exploits I could make, subtle thoughts of past rejections will come to mind which will take me back to a place of self-pity and depression, with feelings that I may pursue the new thing and end up in rejection as in the past. While meditating on scriptures, I came across Isaiah 43:16-19 which gave me a new perspective of the mindset to adhere to in the new season. This helped me out of depression
“This is what the Lord says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:16-19)
Sometimes, the pain of past memories has a way of limiting us from embracing the present and the beauty it brings. Other times, it may just be the fear of navigating the new season holding us back from embracing the new. This is an encouragement to someone reading this to speak these words to yourself and belief that God is Almighty and can make a way in the wilderness. He can turn the hardest moments of your life to work in line with His purposes for you if you will keep trusting Him.
The biblical story of Joseph is inspirational to navigating a new season with the appropriate mindset. Joseph was sold to slavery by his brothers (Genesis 37). While in Egypt, Joseph served Potiphar diligently. Potiphar’s wife made sexual advances towards Joseph but Joseph rejected her advances and fled. She later blackmailed Joseph and lied to her husband about Joseph. This landed Joseph in Prison(Genesis 39).This was probably a hard time for Joseph. Repeated seasons of being cast away. Nevertheless, despite the situation, God was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and gave him favor (Genesis 39:21). Reading the occurrences in Joseph’s life, it is evident that giving Joseph to slavery and putting him in prison turned out to be strategic positioning which led up to Joseph becoming ruler in Egypt and saving even his family from famine. What is amazing about Joseph’s story is that when he finally reunited with his brothers, one could think he would treat them badly for what they did to him. Joseph acted in wisdom to get his entire family move Egypt, and he gave them possessions in the best land of Egypt and provided for them (Genesis 47:11-12). Joseph’s actions show his mindset in the new season – He had forgotten the former things and dwelled on the new thing God was doing and Joseph kept succeeding as the seasons of his life unfolded.
Dear friend, if you are battling with thoughts of the past, hindering you from fully accepting and navigating through the new season, join me meditate on the words of Isaiah 43:16-19. I know sometimes it’s not easy not to dwell on the past pain, but I assure you can trust God who is able to make a way in the wilderness and streams in the wastelands.
Below are essential points to help you overcome painful memories that may be holding you back from embracing new the new seasons.
- Trusting God wholehearted – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
- Talk to someone who can give wise counsel and words of comfort – “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22); “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.”(Proverbs 19:20)
- Continue to work diligently and serve passionately in the place where God has positioned you, whether it be in ministry, your profession, or within your family etc. Aim for continual growth and be open to seizing the appropriate opportunities at the right time– “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free (Ephesians 6:7-8).
- Take some time to discern what needs to be done in this season, plan and schedule accordingly. Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house. (Proverbs 24:27)
- Commit your endeavors to God in prayers and rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance to navigate every season – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7)
Keep trusting God, keep holding on and keep pressing on to the mark of the high calling.
I pray God makes a way for you where it seemed there was no way.
REMAIN BLESSED!