Sometimes we can get so caught up in surviving and living our lives that we don’t even realize the enemy has plundered us. Gone is our joy, our innocence, our zeal—robbed by an enemy who seeks only to destroy us and leave us broken and beaten on the side of the road. One day we suddenly stop and look around at where we are and ask, “God, how did I get here?“
Are you surprised? If we are to be the light of the world, to take God’s ever-expanding kingdom to those lost and dying, should we not expect that darkness will try to push back against us? After all, if we didn’t have the ability to advance the kingdom of God in a mighty way, why would he target us? If we are uncaring, ineffective Christians who do nothing, Satan would be content to simply leave us alone in front of the TV.
For the rest of us, though, who have a heart to see real God-change in this world, we should expect resistance. Perhaps you’ve been plundered this year. Maybe you lost a relationship in your life, or your joy is gone. Perhaps, like so many, you are simply tired of fighting, of trying to do good. However the enemy has robbed you this past year, know that this is not the end. This season of spiritual winter is coming to a close, and I believe with all my heart that a season of new beginnings is upon us!
In Isaiah 42, the prophet describes an Israel that is far from God. They too are plundered and destroyed. Though they had a calling on their lives, they lost their way and suddenly found themselves in spiritual pits with no one to rescue them.
“But this is a people robbed and despoiled; they are all snared in holes, and they are hidden in prison houses; they are for a prey, and no one delivers, for a spoil, and no one says, ‘Restore them'” (Is. 42:22).
Sound familiar? A chosen people with destiny … tired, beaten and destroyed. However, God promised that He would not leave them in their dungeons.
“See, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not be aware of it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. The beast of the field shall honor Me, the jackals and the owls, because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My people, My chosen ones. This people I have formed for Myself; they shall declare My praise” (Is. 43:19-21).
What an awesome picture of new beginnings! “I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My people.” God is sending His living water right this moment to all the dry wastelands of your life, to refresh and restore your hope again! It’s time for us all to begin again … to experience restoration of joy, hope and purpose.
God is wanting His people to arise and become the spotless bride promised to Him! Wherever you find yourself today, expect that 2016 will be a year for you to begin again! {eoa}
Are you wanting to experience new beginnings this year in your relationships, marriage and life? Make plans to attend the Arise Women’s Conference in Kansas City, Jan. 28-31!
David Belich is a frequent guest blogger on Highways Ministries as well as the owner of Effective Church Media, an online resource that seeks to help churches use media more effectively to advance the kingdom of God.
Janet Perez Eckles 
Shawn Akers 
Abby Trivett