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Single Minded
by Michelle Brinson
Revelation 21:5 KJV
I love spring! It is my favorite time of the year. It's a time when all that appears dead – like the grass, the trees, the flowers… they come to life – once again. In what seems like only a matter of days, a bit of rain, and a bit of sunshine -- there are buds on the trees, the grass starts to sprout, the wild violets spring forth… and everything feels brand new. Another sure sign of spring I love are the birds busily building their nests. I hear them chirping outside my window in the mornings and it is such a beautiful song.
He makes all things new!
There is nothing like spring to fill my heart with hope and to remind me of all the wonderful things God has created for us to enjoy. The biggest reason this time of year holds so much hope for me is because many years ago, I found myself at the lowest point in my life. I had run away from my life and my problems – or so I thought, and found myself utterly alone, sad and very afraid. It was in that season of my life, I cried out to God and He rescued me from the darkness.
The culmination of this experience was highlighted by a move back to my hometown on Good Friday and singing in my home church choir on Easter Sunday. I will never forget that day or the verses that God spoke directly into my heart.
Matthew 6:25-27 NASV
He makes all things new!
Up until this point in my life, I had been quite the worrier. I can't say I've given up worrying completely, but I can say every time I see a bird, I think about those verses and realize just how much God loves me and is taking care of me. It calms my spirit and puts the focus back on God… not the thing I'm worrying about.
He makes all things new!
There is an awesome song that speaks about this incredible thing God does for us… it's by Steven Curtis Chapman.
You make all things new
You redeem and You transform
You renew and You restore
Lyrics by Steven Curtis Chapman
God really does make all things new. He redeems us, transforms us, renews us and restores us.
the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
In Christ… there is hope. Bu just like spring… there has to be some rain in order for things to grow … but in the end, it is worth it.
"From now on I will tell you of new things, of hidden things unknown to you.
Isaiah 48:6 NIV
But most of the time, we have no idea what is in store for us… waiting around the corner… because God knows better than to tell us of these things… we'd probably mess them up if He did. He usually just gives us little glimpses of what could be… so we will continue to hang on, wait patiently on Him and His timing. All the while - growing and trusting Him.
and new things I declare;
before they spring into being
I announce them to you."
Isaiah 42:9 NIV
I'm speaking from experience. About a year ago, everything in my life seemed wonderful… I had a wonderful job, my health was great, I was in a happy relationship and then without warning, it all fell apart. I lost my job, the relationship ended; I got sick upon returning from a mission trip. I was so upset, angry, frustrated… but I prayed. I asked others to pray for me. I did everything I could to stay in God's word, to listen to Him, to be patient and wait on His timing. It wasn't easy… but most of the really great things in life are never easy.
The last year has been hard. But, here I am a year later and in only a matter of days every thing is different… and new. God continued to provide for me throughout the entire process. I've grown in ways I can't even begin to explain or could never have imagined. God is so good!
He really does make all things new… if you're willing to wait patiently for Him. I have a new job that I can hardly wait to start. I'm healthy. I'm happy. And the relationship… well, if God can make all these things new… well, there's no telling what He's going to do in this area of my life either. I'm waiting patiently and trusting Him.
He makes all things new!
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Michelle sees her marriage as a ministry and desires for it and herself to be used by God. She and her husband and son are active members of their church. She is also passionate about spreading the good news locally as well as internationally via mission trips to East Africa and wherever else the Lord leads.
Michelle is a talented writer and speaker who prays God will use her in sharing His hope and truths to those who are hurting and in need of love.
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