Embracing New Seasons: Faith in Transition
Summary
In today's message, we explored the theme of transition and the importance of embracing new seasons in our lives. Reflecting on Isaiah 43, we discussed how God is always doing something new and how we must be willing to let go of the past to embrace the future He has for us. Just as Israel had to transition from Moses to Joshua, we too must recognize when a season has ended and be ready to step into the new opportunities God presents.
We began by acknowledging the joy and gratitude that comes with being part of a church community and the excitement of moving into a new chapter. This transition is not just for the church but also a prophetic sign for our personal lives. God is turning the page, and we must be ready to move forward with Him.
The story of Israel's transition from Moses to Joshua serves as a powerful metaphor for our own lives. God instructed Israel not to dwell on the past but to look forward to the new things He was doing. This requires faith and the willingness to let go of former things, even when they were good, to make room for the new blessings God has in store.
We also discussed the importance of recognizing the signs that a season is ending and being open to the new responsibilities and challenges that come with a new season. Whether it's a new job, ministry, or personal challenge, God provides the grace and anointing needed to navigate these changes.
Finally, we emphasized the importance of speaking and thinking in alignment with God's Word. Our words and thoughts have the power to shape our destiny, and we must be diligent in keeping them in line with God's promises. By doing so, we position ourselves to receive the fullness of what God has for us in this new season.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace New Beginnings: God is always doing something new in our lives. We must be willing to let go of the past and embrace the new opportunities He presents. This requires faith and a forward-looking mindset. [02:33]
- Recognize the End of a Season: Just as Israel had to accept the end of Moses' leadership, we must recognize when a season in our life is ending. This awareness allows us to prepare for the new things God is doing. [14:33]
- God Provides Grace for Transition: In every new season, God provides the grace and anointing needed to navigate the changes. We can trust that He will guide us and equip us for the journey ahead. [32:35]
- Speak and Think in Alignment with God's Word: Our words and thoughts have the power to shape our destiny. By aligning them with God's promises, we position ourselves to receive His blessings and success. [50:19]
- Let Go of Past Hurts: Holding onto past hurts and grievances can hinder our progress. We must choose to let go and move forward, trusting that God has a beautiful future in store for us. [27:39]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Turning the Page
- [01:34] - Transition from Moses to Joshua
- [02:33] - Embrace New Beginnings
- [03:26] - New Opportunities and Miracles
- [04:51] - God's Continuous Work
- [05:23] - Faith in the Now
- [06:21] - God's New Season
- [09:01] - God Makes a Way
- [10:11] - Navigating New Seasons
- [14:33] - Recognizing Season Changes
- [19:25] - Transition Challenges
- [27:39] - Letting Go of the Past
- [32:35] - Grace for the New Season
- [50:19] - Aligning Words and Thoughts
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 43:18-19
- Deuteronomy 34:6-9
- Joshua 1:1-9
---
Observation Questions:
1. In Isaiah 43:18-19, what does God instruct the people to do regarding the former things, and what is He promising to do? How does this relate to the theme of transition discussed in the sermon? [02:33]
2. According to Deuteronomy 34:6-9, what significant event marked the end of a season for Israel, and how did the people respond to it? [14:33]
3. In Joshua 1:1-9, what instructions does God give to Joshua as he steps into his new role? How does this reflect the sermon’s emphasis on embracing new beginnings? [39:57]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of aligning our words and thoughts with God's promises. How does this concept appear in the passages we read? [50:19]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. What might be the significance of God telling the Israelites not to remember the former things in Isaiah 43:18-19? How does this instruction help them prepare for the new things God is doing? [02:33]
2. How does the transition from Moses to Joshua in Deuteronomy 34 and Joshua 1 illustrate the challenges and opportunities of new seasons in life? What can we learn from Joshua’s example? [14:33]
3. The sermon emphasized the need for faith and a forward-looking mindset. How do the passages in Isaiah and Joshua encourage believers to cultivate these attitudes? [03:26]
4. In what ways does the concept of God providing grace for transitions, as discussed in the sermon, manifest in the story of Joshua’s leadership? [32:35]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had to let go of a past season in your life. How did you recognize that it was time to move on, and what steps did you take to embrace the new opportunities God presented? [14:33]
2. The sermon highlighted the importance of speaking and thinking in alignment with God's Word. Identify one area in your life where you need to adjust your words or thoughts to better align with God’s promises. [50:19]
3. Consider a current situation where you feel God is turning the page for you. What practical steps can you take to prepare for this new season, and how can you rely on God’s grace during this transition? [10:11]
4. How can you cultivate a forward-looking mindset in your daily life, especially when faced with challenges or uncertainties? What role does faith play in this process? [03:26]
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of letting go of past hurts. Is there a specific hurt or grievance you need to release to move forward? What steps can you take this week to begin that process? [27:39]
6. Think about a new responsibility or challenge you are currently facing. How can you seek God’s wisdom and anointing to navigate this change effectively? [32:35]
7. How can you encourage others in your church community to embrace new beginnings and trust in God’s provision during times of transition? What role can you play in supporting them? [35:28]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the New with Faith
In life, God continually presents us with new beginnings, urging us to let go of the past and embrace the future with faith. This requires a forward-looking mindset, trusting that God is always doing something new in our lives. Just as Israel had to transition from Moses to Joshua, we too must be willing to step into the new opportunities God presents. This transition is not just a change in circumstances but a call to grow in faith and trust in God's plan. Embracing new beginnings means being open to the unknown and believing that God has a purpose for every season. [02:33]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to embrace a new beginning? How can you step forward in faith today?
Day 2: Recognize the End of a Season
Recognizing when a season in life is ending is crucial for spiritual growth. Just as Israel had to accept the end of Moses' leadership, we must discern when God is closing a chapter in our lives. This awareness allows us to prepare for the new things God is doing. It requires us to let go of what is familiar and comfortable, trusting that God has something greater in store. By acknowledging the end of a season, we position ourselves to receive the new blessings and opportunities God has prepared for us. [14:33]
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (ESV): "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted."
Reflection: Can you identify a season in your life that is coming to an end? How can you prepare your heart and mind for the new season God is leading you into?
Day 3: Trust in God's Grace for Transition
In every new season, God provides the grace and anointing needed to navigate the changes. Transition can be challenging, but we can trust that God will guide us and equip us for the journey ahead. Just as He was with Joshua, God promises to be with us, providing the strength and wisdom we need. By relying on His grace, we can face new responsibilities and challenges with confidence, knowing that we are not alone. God's grace is sufficient for every transition, empowering us to move forward in His purpose. [32:35]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: What is a current transition you are experiencing? How can you rely on God's grace to navigate this change with confidence and peace?
Day 4: Align Your Words and Thoughts with God's Promises
Our words and thoughts have the power to shape our destiny. By aligning them with God's promises, we position ourselves to receive His blessings and success. Speaking and thinking in alignment with God's Word requires intentionality and discipline. It involves replacing negative thoughts and words with those that reflect God's truth and promises. As we do this, we create an environment of faith and expectation, opening the door for God to work powerfully in our lives. [50:19]
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV): "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."
Reflection: What negative words or thoughts do you need to replace with God's promises today? How can you intentionally speak life and truth over your circumstances?
Day 5: Release Past Hurts to Move Forward
Holding onto past hurts and grievances can hinder our progress. To fully embrace the future God has for us, we must choose to let go and move forward. This involves forgiving those who have wronged us and releasing any bitterness or resentment. By doing so, we free ourselves to experience the new blessings and opportunities God has in store. Letting go of the past is an act of faith, trusting that God has a beautiful future planned for us. [27:39]
Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV): "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Reflection: Is there a past hurt or grievance you need to release today? How can you take a step towards forgiveness and healing, trusting God with your future?
Quotes
1) "How many of you know that you can't progress in God if you are going to be stuck always hanging out in the old chapter? And we'll talk about how to take the good of that chapter with and leave the past in the past. So he said, don't remember the former things, neither consider the things of old. Look at the next verse. And it said, behold, I do a what? A new thing. You know, God always, every single day of your life, God is always trying to advance you into something new. He's always trying to, come on, think about it. Today is a new day. Right?" [02:33] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "God always makes a way forward. And I wanted to talk about this because we're getting ready to move over into this new tabernacle. We're turning a page, so to speak. And we have to know how to walk that out. We have to know how to go in those places. So, maybe you're here today and you personally are embarking on something fresh. Maybe it's a new opportunity. Maybe you're looking at a new job. Or you're starting a new ministry. Or you're writing a book for the first time. Whatever assignment that God has given you. Or maybe you're in here and you're in a new season and you say, you know, God, I didn't ask for this. You didn't want it. Maybe you lost something." [10:11] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "God always, always, always has something good in store. Come on. Where there is a God, there's always a beautiful future. So I want you to know that. So we're going to talk about this with Israel a little bit today and learn how to literally turn the page from an old season into a new one. And boy, I'll tell you, we have walked through so many different turnings of the page from the time this ministry started. You know, in fact, when we get into the tabernacle, we're going to show kind of a history video of when we first began." [10:52] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "Recognize that God is going to show us sometimes that seasons have ended. Maybe we didn't want it to end, or maybe we did. But know this, that whatever the season is, if God is closing a door, we have to accept that, right? And realize that we are going to have to take on the challenges that come with the new thing. You know, I look at this tabernacle, sometimes I walk through it, and I can see there's greater responsibility. I thought, well, dear Lord, we're all going to have to get tennis shoes to come to church to walk around in here." [15:20] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "There comes a moment when the weeping must end. You cannot continue to relive the past. Come on, somebody. You have to set it aside because you'll take that with you. And God finally said, you know what? There's going to come a time of weeping, but then the time of weeping has to end. And, you know, the worst thing we can do, and I'll just say this. I think the worst thing we can do for ourselves is to regurgitate old hurtful memories. That is the worst thing you can do for yourself." [27:39] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "If God's closing a door to something in your life, yeah, it might feel harsh at times. But that doesn't mean that God doesn't have a blessing on the other side. ever, you've got to turn the page. You know, there's not any. Nobody reads a good book without going forward. Right? How many of you ever read a good book and you stay up at night and you think, oh, just one more page? Well, that's what God is saying in our life sometimes, right? He's saying just one more page." [26:17] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "Now, underline these words. It says, and Joshua. And is a conjunction, right? It's attaching something. And Joshua. Now, watch this. This is so good. God is showing them that there's going to be grace for where they're going. They didn't know it, but he knew it. There's going to be grace. He said, Joshua, the son of Nun, was full of the spirit of wisdom. Do you know there'll be grace and guidance wherever you're going? God will help you. There'll be wisdom there." [32:35] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "Nothing can stop your destiny. Nothing. Touch yourself. Say self. Nothing. Can stop your destiny. Now, the only thing that can stop it is you if you choose to get out of it. If you keep going back, you won't obtain the future. Nothing can stop you. The Bible says in Hebrews chapter 13, it says, the Lord's my helper. I don't have to be cared for. But people can do to me. God's my helper. People say, Pastor Hank, how can you stand up in front of the nation and prophesy and do? Because the Lord's my helper and I don't have to fear what people." [47:57] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?