Sacred Holidays: A Devotional Leading Up To New Year'sSample

DAY THREE:  

So we know that God is doing something new in us and that He can create rivers in a desert and a path in the wilderness (Isaiah 43:19). And we also know that no matter how much we dream or plan,His ways and thoughts are even higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). 

One of the most powerful biblical stories about going a new way is Abraham’s story (though he’s called “Abram” in the verses below).

Read Genesis 12:1 and note where Abram was to go. 

God told to Abram to go. Have you ever been in a season where God called you to go? 

This is where Abram was. Imagine being in his place, where God said to not just go, but go from everything you know—your country (where you live), your kindred (who you live with), and your father’s house (where you were safe). There wasn’t even a specific address, just “go.” We learn a few verses further that Abram just “went.” No questions. He simply packed up his wife, family, possessions, and people, and he left. No idea where to go, just the Lord’s presence guiding them. 

But he didn’t go without any assurance.

Read Genesis 12:2 and note what was promise at the destination. 

There was blessing waiting—God was going to do something great. Abram had very little other details than that. His journey was a mess, a hot mess. That should give us all some confidence today. We can take steps into the unknown having no clue where we are going, royally messing things up, and God will still use our steps to work about something great! 

Let’s read about some men who had been working and waiting for God to do something great in Luke 5:1-7. 

These men had been fishing all night. I wonder if you feel the same—you’ve been trying for so long and you are coming up with empty nets time and time again. You are tired, irritated, frustrated, and spent. 

What if this moment, right now, Jesus walked up to you and  said that He sees your frustration and striving and working, but He wants you to cast your net a different way? 

Pause for a moment and ask God how he wants you to cast your net. 

As you contemplate this, remember that your God can fill your net at any moment He sees fit. These men, who were professional fishermen, had been fishing all through the night and caught nothing. Until Jesus. His presence in our lives changes everything. Their nets were busting they were so full!

The issue isn’t that there aren’t enough fish, it’s that we aren’t fishing with the presence and power of God! Ask God to go fishing with you today!