Something New
This week I pulled out my Experiencing God workbook. As I read through it, I remembered how much I loved that study and how significantly God used it in my life. Some studies are like that. They are game changers. I thought to myself, I need to do this one again! I need God to do stuff again! So I started looking around to see of there was an updated version. Not.
Then, on the way to Bible study yesterday morning (we are studying The Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7), God spoke to my heart, you are studying one of the most convicting passages of Scripture. If you let Me, I will use it to accomplish my work in your heart and life; it can be a game changer!
It’s not a particular Bible study that I am in, although I believe He directs me to the one He wants me to study. It’s my pliability in the Master’s hands.
My heart — humble before Him.
My will — yielded to His.
I realized that I was looking to recapture a moment in time. But that’s not the way God works.
He doesn’t repeat the past. He creates newness!
God doesn't repeat the past. He creates newness! Share on X
For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19)
Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. (Ezekiel 36:26)
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17)
The attitude of my heart and my will in response to the Holy Spirit’s conviction determines how effective a Bible study is in my life. When I am pliable in the Lord’s hands, He speaks truth to my heart through His Word. I will hear it and respond in obedience. You know what, that is a game changer!
This is so true, Dianne. I’ve often felt like a particular study I was doing wasn’t inspiring me and changing me the way others had, but it’s that willingness to change and be transformed that makes all the difference. Thank you for this reminder! -Abby (visiting from Coffee for Your Heart)
I did “Experiencing God” in high school, and it was absolutely life-changing! Thanks for this post – I need to go dig up my own workbook!
Such a great perspective! You are right, God makes things new. He is always willing to teach if we will listen 🙂
He doesn’t repeat the past. He creates newness! This spoke to my heart for I am working on a post taken from a few words my three year old grand son spoke to his grandpa. He said, Grandpa you remember when you gave me all that candy? Would you do that again? I thought how often I have wanted God to bless me the same way he has done in the past. But you have shed some insight to this way of thinking. Of course, His mercies are new every morning, of course His ways will be new on how He blesses and uses me. Of course…thanks for the good word.