Now You're Ready ...

What is it about a new year? Maybe it's all the Queer Eye I've been watching, but I'm really feeling the 'believe in yourself' / 'you can do anything' mindset right now.  And although that's not always a message we hear from those explaining God's truth, it actually is a message we find throughout the Bible:

"You created my inmost being ... I am wonderfully made." -Psalm 139:14

Yes, you beautiful creature!

"[B]rothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."  -Philippians 4:8

Just look at all your incredible traits!

"Be strong and courageous ... Be strong and very courageous ... Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." -Joshua 1:6a, 7a, 9

You got this!

"[H]e who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." -Philippians 1:6 

Keep it up, superstar!

"[T]hose who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." -Isaiah 40:31

 You can do anything!

"Do not throw away your confidence ..." -Hebrews 10:35 (in the context of confidence we gain by knowing through God's Love we are worthy and perfect forever in God's eyes - Hebrews 10:14)

 Believe it!

"[Y]ou are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you." -Isaiah 43:4a 

Are you feeling a 'Fab Five' level of encouragement yet?  Because you were designed to be extraordinary, and there's no better time to be reminded of that than at the start of a fresh year.  From wherever you've come, whatever challenges are behind or ahead of you, sometimes we need to take a beat and a breath, and realize that now is the time to live into something bigger.  To believe that we're ready.  For change, for growth, for restoration, for joy.

Mandy Moore is my God-spun anthem on days like this:

One of my absolute favorite Bible verses is "God did not give us a spirit of fear or timidity, but one of power, love, and sound judgment" (2 Timothy 1:7). Don't go into 2022 afraid. Don't tiptoe into your life this year timidly. You are powerful. Full of love. Knowledgeable.

So go be extraordinary.