Called and Held for New Things
by Tina Yeager
“I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you … a light …
to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison
and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.
See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare”
To those who assume a life coach and author of self-help would charge forth into 2022 with all the new year’s things, allow me to remove any illusions. Tentative goals share a penciled spot in thoughts, but not on paper. No word for the year has alighted upon my soul. I cannot even remember the last time I made a resolution.
I prayed over goals, but obstacles hindered their fulfillment. I pursued the call to write yet felt lost in a spiritual wilderness. I pleaded for the Lord to refine and guide me into his perfect will. Despite my aspirations, I seemed to be held back.
This year, the entire world seems to be “held back.”
As I read Isaiah 42 today, I realize God often sidelines his messengers with divine goals in mind. I might seem to fail, but “the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it” stands greater than my frailty. Neither circumstances nor my flawed nature can hold back the plans of Adonai. Jesus carries our lives and purposes in his hands.
Upheld, held back, or set aside, no better position exists than where my Father keeps me. My Creator brings his purpose to fulfillment. He calls me because of who he is. Jesus holds my hand with infinite love. He keeps me in perfect wisdom and timing. And Christ makes me into a light I could never become on my own.
Regardless of oppressive circumstances or dark times, Isaiah assures me the Lord has a greater plan. My focus must turn from “the former things” to hope in my Almighty Father the future as he declares it.
The Lord might lead me to declare resolutions, goals, or a word for the year at some point. If God offers me none of these, I must resist the temptation to create my own “new things.” For now, my only resolution is to continue holding his hand and trust his perfect goals above mine.
Father, thank you for reminding me to trust my times and purpose into your hands. Guard my heart and mind from temptations to make my own way. Equip and guide me to bear your light in your perfect timing. Amen.
Award-winning author, speaker, licensed counselor, and life coach, Tina encourages audiences to fulfill their potential. Her 10-week, ten-minutes-a-day Subdue Stress and Anxiety course features 15 expert presenters. She offers writing workshops through Serious Writer Academy, hosts the Flourish-Meant podcast, and is head mentor with Word Weavers International. Check out Beautiful Warrior, her book on women’s esteem, and connect with at tinayeager.com.