young woman letting go of the past

But the Lord says “Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago. Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already—you can see it now!” – Isaiah 43:18-19a. 

We’re officially only 11 days from the new year and I can say 2016 has been one of the best years of my life. I published my book, got married, traveled, saw my best friends from college multiple times in different cities across the country, started a new job, had several speaking gigs (the first of my career!), joined a new church and made numerous connections. As I sat one afternoon writing out all these so-called accomplishments I thought “man, it’s going to be really hard to beat this” and even as I sit here writing this blog post to you, I can’t help but think – really Brie, do you feel like God’s plans for you are so basic that He can’t up the anty a little bit?

Ephesians 3:20 says God is able to do “exceedingly and abundantly above all we could ask or think.” Which means, I can look over the past 354 days and think “It can’t get any better than this.” and God and all His patience and wisdom simply responds “You haven’t seen anything yet.”  I think when many of us think about forgetting the past, we think about letting go of painful things that have happened, and while that is extremely important, it’s equally important to not get so caught up in what you feel like you’ve accomplished that you never strive for more.

So what are you expecting of God in 2017? Don’t let the fear of how things went in 2016 hold you back from big dreams and don’t let the achievements of 2016 keep you content with the status quo. Now’s the time to reflect, forgive where needed, forget and let go.

This is not the end of your story. Your story is just beginning.

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14

Over the past few weeks we’ve discussed letting go of anger, hurt, our “old selves” and more. As we enter the new year, what are some things from your past that you need to let go of? How do you think this will bring you closer to the plans God has for you in 2017? Comment below with you response. 

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