3 surprising things Noah is teaching me about new beginnings

9 Minute Read, Word Count 1,202

Day 9- - Y’all still hanging in there? 😊 

1 week down, 51 to go…

This time of year, there’s a lot of hype around new year resolutions. Some find value in them, while others think less of them.

Admittedly, I was in the “think less of them” camp. I was becoming a bit cynical, believing that Jan 1st is just an arbitrary date that holds no special significance, and no one is any more likely to achieve success on Jan 1st than on any other date.

But then I started reading about Noah. The New King James Version of the Bible subtitles the passage “Noah’s Deliverance”, and it’s shifting my thoughts about new year resolutions.

Rather than putting so much pressure on a date, I’m starting to think more in terms of navigating new beginnings, independent of a date.

It’s not surprising that in the book of Genesis, I was able to learn a few things about new beginnings.

Here’s 3 things Noah’s deliverance is teaching me about new beginnings

#1- - It is the old that allows you to fully appreciate the new…

Because some of us have been through some STUFF — if only you knew! Remember those untold stories I mentioned in this POST?

While I am excited about the new year and filled with hope and expectation, I am even more grateful for the end of what was.

I have found that the anticipation and the beauty of a new year, a new season, a new opportunity, is not in the newness at all.

It’s really about marking the END of the thing that was no longer serving you. That thing that was suffocating you, disturbing your peace, stealing your joy and frankly, almost took you out.

I am allowing myself to pause and really rest in a space of gratitude for God’s grace, mercy, and provision. I know that greater is coming, but the truth is, He’s already done enough. He is enough.

God. Is. A. Deliverer. Period!

The problem is, some of us have been wandering in the valley for so long that we’ve gotten weary. We’ve gotten too familiar with bondage and accepted it as our lot in life. We’ve lost hope and any expectation that we’ll ever make it out. So much so, that we don’t recognize that deliverance is now upon us--because we stopped looking for the signs of deliverance. (Genesis 8:6-12)

In the first month, on the first day (sounds like New Year’s Day to me, just saying) the waters were dried up and Noah removed the covering of the ark and looked. It was only when he looked that he understood that he had indeed survived, that he (and his lineage) had made it, that God did exactly what He said He was going to do!

Can you imagine how Noah must have felt in that moment? The wave of relief that must have washed over him?

If you’ve ever sheltered at home during a hurricane or something similar, perhaps you can relate. Remember how you could hear the rain beating against your house, the whistle of the violent wind gusts, and the sound of tree trunks snapping like twigs?

And then as quickly as it started, a silence and a calm came, and you mustered up the courage to look out of the window. And you said to yourself, “I think it’s over.”

Quick question: Who or what are you hiding behind that’s blocking your view?

What once served as a place of shelter and safety is now the very same thing that is hindering your deliverance. Healing and breakthrough are all around you, but you can’t see it. Like Noah, it’s time for you to remove the cover. Look out of your window. The storm is over.

You’ve been waiting.

It’s finally your turn.

You’re on the edge of breakthrough. 

If you could just get a glimpse of it, I believe it will give you the strength and the burst of energy you need to press through and out of valley…today, now, in this very moment.

Deliverance is possible every day, so maybe Jan 1st is just an arbitrary date. Regardless of whether you are for or against new year resolutions, I’m inclined to believe that more emphasis should be placed on making a resolution than the date that you do it.

When you resolve to take the necessary steps to move into your new beginning, I believe that God will meet you where you are. When you call Him, He will answer.

When your resolve meets God’s appointed time, deliverance happens. You can pick a date -Jan 1st or otherwise- to make your resolution, but you can’t choose God’s timing.

Let’s Recap (for my besties who skim 😁)

1. As you enter into your new beginning, don’t forget to praise God for the valleys He’s already brought you through.

2. Never stop looking for signs of deliverance. As you go through challenges, go through with hope and expectation. Today could be the day of deliverance!

3. Some of your coping mechanisms and safety nets have become barriers to your breakthrough because they are blocking your view of God in action. Your lack of vision is keeping you in bondage, even though deliverance is upon you.

4. God will deliver you at His appointed time. Make sure that you’ve positioned your heart and mind to be rescued.

In closing…

As you embark on your new journey, whatever that may be, take the time to reflect on where God has already brought you from. The memory of your deliverance is what will fuel your journey ahead because now you know for yourself, that God is your deliverer.

Don’t forget to tell someone else, so they can hear of the goodness of God.

So about thing 2 and thing 3…

I have the attention span the size of a mustard seed, is it just me? 🤣 So we’ll continue with Part 2 of the 3 surprising things Noah is teaching me about new beginnings in the days to come.

Make sure you’re subscribed to Her Haven and Part 2 will be delivered directly to your inbox.

Here’s to your new beginning,

Charita

Disclaimer: I ain’t nobody’s pastor. 🙃 Read the Word for yourself and seek the counsel of your pastor. I’m just a girl who loves God sharing her journey of Christian womanhood. 💗