A Fresh Breath of God 

Monday, April 17, 2017 

Verse for the Week: John 14:1 (NIV); “Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me”

The past few days we have celebrated the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. A miracle of great magnitude. So precious was the life of Jesus. So powerful His sacrifice. And so miraculous His resurrection. Words can’t do it justice but we are blessed to read and hear the story each and every time.

When Jesus announced to the disciples he was going to be leaving them, I wonder how they anticipated this major transition of their relationship. It seems as though they didn’t fully comprehend the gravity of the situation. I don’t know which is better, knowing or not knowing.

Both scenarios carry burdens that require us to stay focused on the faith in which we were called. Either way, there are times in our lives when we are completely aware of a transition up ahead and it is full of emotions that flood our minds with fear, our hearts with trepidation, and our lives with uncomfortable change.

I am in such a transition with my oldest son preparing to leave for college.

On one hand, I am thrilled for him. He is ready and I know this is God’s plan for his life. On the other hand, I am sick with grief as the anticipation of this change will alter our family dynamic forever.

I know much of this is due to my heavy experience with loss—the loss of my father and my husband in the short span of three years. The memories of loss are popping up and causing my heart to break all over again. And although this is not that, it still causes my heart to trouble.

So, in this season of resurrection power as we celebrate our Lord and all He has done to give us hope, life and a future, I am comforted and reminded to believe in Him and His power to breathe new life into my frailties.

Dealing with difficult transitions in life, parenting, relationships, work, you name it, they can be challenging at best, devastating at worst. How about you? What are you facing right now that is causing your heart to trouble?

Is it your job or a relationship with someone you love? How about a circumstance that is out of your control and is stealing your joy? Or maybe you have lost passion for a dream God has given you?

Whatever it is that is causing you to feel stuck in the stress of transition, let’s encourage each other to refocus our thoughts and channel our fears toward the resurrection power of Christ. He can and He will breath new life into those dead places. Trust Him. Believe Him. And receive what He wants to give you in this season of challenge and change.

I am in desperate need of a fresh breath of God in this area of my life. I want to believe God is doing a new thing in our family as we enter into this new phase of life.

I am passing through this valley of sadness and mourning the loss of something that has brought my life much love, meaning, and purpose. But it’s time for both of us to follow God into the next phase of our lives. Of course, I will always be his mom, and we will always be his family, but it is time to let go and let God.

Our scripture this week is a directive to believe in the confident hope of Christ in which we need to stand on in these times of transition. It reminds us of our need for resurrection power that only the breath of God can give.

Prayer:

Our Father, Almighty God, I need you right now. Breathe new life into my heart and my mind. Heal the broken places in my memory that cause me to fear the future, and help me to see the transitions up ahead through your eyes of hope and faith. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflect and Respond:

Take some time this week to pray and ask for revelation where you are allowing fear to trouble your heart over something God wants you to believe Him for. Ask Him to give you a fresh new vision for the future and a new spring in your step.

Feel free to post any thoughts on the topic. We would love to hear from you.

Remember, you are not alone. Have a blessed week.

Dori