New Beginnings: Letting Go of What Holds You Back

Posted January 11, 2022 by Jeannette Wilcock

Categories: Featured, Jeannette, Sister Post

Happy New Year! 

Often embracing something new means letting go of something old. Sometimes we want this change and sometimes  we do not. This time of year we tend to want  to clean out the old to embrace the new, but then there are times when we like everything to stay the same. 

When Life feels Blissful

I remember meandering down my familiar road a while back on a perfectly warm sunny day. Everything seemed right and in place in my life. The kids were sweet and small, I was home raising them, and my husband had a good job. I felt God’s presence as the sun warmed my face and I was thinking how I didn’t want anything to change. 

I told God I wished everything could just stay this way. I immediately sensed God telling me to expect things to change but to enjoy this blissful time. Life would have its challenges again but God would be with me in those moments as well. 

I was in a place where I was comfortable not taking risks or embracing change. I liked my life just as it was and I surely did not want any disruption in my perfect circumstances. 

The Thrill of the Pursuit

I remember another time when taking a risk and starting something new was exhilarating and refreshing for me. The thrill and even the fear propelled me to work and try harder toward my goals.Like the time my husband and I sold all we had to move to a bigger city for new opportunities.  I went from the safe and comfortable to the unknown and unfamiliar world of Music City . I desired growth and change more than remaining the same. I was led by my dreams, desires, and ambitions to pursue the music world through songwriting, grow in my hair business and also to become a mother.

I knew God was with me every step of the way, even if at times I forged ahead and tried to make my own way. I believe God blessed my efforts to step out in faith as one by one (not in the time or way I planned) my desires were fulfilled. 

Complacency always feels good and taking a risk may not, yet I knew if I desired any kind of growth or betterment of myself I had to be willing to step out of my comfort zone. 

 That encounter I had with God many years ago when life seemed so perfect was the reminder I needed when our lives changed drastically after hearing I had a brain tumor. God said he would always be with me and he has been.

Life’s Interuptions

I’ve learned that change is inevitable. We don’t always get to choose what happens to us. The pregnancy I thought was my right as a woman never happened. I didn’t ask for the brain tumor and thyroid cancer, as I’m sure you didn’t choose many difficult things that have happened to you, but I’ve seen God continually bless and replace what is lost or taken and fill my heart with his peace as I trust Him.  I had to learn to let go of what I thought was mine and rely on God for what I needed. For a gal that liked to forge ahead with her own plans and take on the world, this definitely has not been easy for me!

As I consider what changes I would like to or need to make for this new year I don’t feel quite as brave as I used to. But, we have two choices when it comes to change. We can either become stagnant and stale and unwilling or we can remain vibrant and fresh with the willingness to embrace what comes our way. 

I remember how God told me to not fear these times that can seem so scary and foreign. He always has a plan for our good no matter how dark things seem. What might we be missing out on if we’re not willing to be open to what’s next in our lives, whether it be exciting or scary?

Letting Go

Sometimes that new beginning is letting go of a dream or a plan to allow God to work his plan and his dream in us. I find it easy to fall into that place of not wanting to do anything to change and rely on my own capabilities to carry me instead of allowing God to do his work. If I am willing to change, then there will be room for the newness of life and growth. There’s a surprising refreshment when we let go of what we have been holding onto, whether it’s our plans for the future, our routines, or what we believe to be ours. 

I heard someone say recently “I hold onto my life with open hands.” It’s only in this state I can be fully used by God and be ready to go where he leads. This is not easy but living like this will bring the thrilling feeling of a fresh start or a new beginning that we need to keep us alive.

As we begin this new year will you join me in opening our hands and letting go of what’s holding us back? Will you open your hands to receive all that God has for you? Let’s be surprised at what a fresh start or new beginning can look like for us this year.