Firsts

Hello guys. It's the new year! 2021. How has the previous year been? No matter what went on last year, God's restorative power will work in your life. If you believe and have faith, you will see this power at work in your life this year. Amen.

In the Spirit of the new year, the message the Holy Spirit dropped in my heart just so corresponds with the season we are in right now (the new year). So guys here we go.....

Our lives as Humans is full of firsts and lasts. Our first step, a child's first word, first time at trying something or last time you ever try it, first and last chances and so on. When we are encountered to try things out for the first time, many emotions are involved. A first step taken could end up being the last step you take to what you set out to do in the first place. And the first step may be what premiers the continuity of the journey on what you set out to do in the first place.

Emphasis is on the first step. It is your first step that sets the tone for the rest of the journey. But the first steps are most times subjects to variables we cannot see, we did not plan for or that are out of our control. Last year taught us that anything could happen in which we are caught off guard. It just became a reality to some of us what being caught off guard really means and how handicapping things we did not plan for can halt all our plans and disrupt the steps we initially set out to take.

Taking first steps is very applicable to our lives as believers. Think back to every initial step you have ever taken and how it changed your life pattern. First steps can impact or change the tone of the rest of the journey.

So what is so special about our first steps as Christians? It is the unforeseen variables that occur. The Christian journey is all about faith and not about our very constructed plans, or our motivation or environment. It is not about what we see around us. It is faith from start to finish.

The beauty of walking in faith tells God to take care of challenges we did not foresee or challenges that are bigger than us. God taking care of our challenges means; when we encounter stumbling blocks on our path, our faith in God turns them to stepping stones to continue ahead rather than be a hindrance to the path ahead of me. My faith in God means that He has gone ahead of me to make my crooked paths straight (Isaiah 45:2). And so, I fear no unforeseen circumstances or evil that may be set on my path. Instead, I trust God to set me up to thrive in the midst of trouble (Psalms 23). And so people, this year is all about Faith walk.

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Let us go to our secret place and speak to the Father on the first step we should take. If you need to return to God, perhaps you have missed the way, please and please do and if it is your first time, beautiful. Remember, the first steps are always important.

Taking that first can start with this simple prayer (say it out loud in faith and believing);

Lord Jesus;

I believe you are the Son of God and the way to the Father.

Forgive me and show me the way that leads to life.

Give me your life and cleanse me from the inside out;

Please have mercy on me and count me as your own.

Thank you for your Love which has rescued me.

Amen.

Hurray! *inserts* rejoicing with exceeding joy..... Welcome to knowing the love of Christ, which is all about walking in Faith.

So people remember, we walk by faith and not by sight (2Corinththians 5:7). When unforeseen circumstances come to shake our faith this year in whatever shape, form, plots, protests, agendas, laws and standards, we will not be moved by them. Instead, we will look up to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith to guide us this year (Hebrews 12:2). Whenever you encounter distress on your path, look up to God.

This January, ask God to show you the first step to take to finish strong. This year with God on our side, we won't start strong and finish defeated. Instead, we take a step of faith, starting strong and finishing well, and in the end, we can say we are more than conquerors.

On your mark, set, take a step of Faith.

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

2 Corinthians 5:7