Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should focus on Jesus Christ

The Shift
A devotional by Colette Lawrence

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”— Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

Have you been looking at the past and wondering “Lord, when?”

I know I have done that so many times when life gets hard, the challenges seem overwhelming, and there is no light at the end of the tunnel.

This is the start of a new year. It carries with it the promise and hope of change. However, not all of us are at the place where we can receive that promise. Instead, we are fixated on what didn’t work, the number of times we have tried and failed, the turmoil we face in our relationships, the loss we suffered, and so on. We complain about what God hasn’t done, and we get upset with Him like petulant children.

Today, the Lord is reminding us through His words advising us to not focus on the past that we are to not to dwell there because He is doing something new in our present. My friends, if our focus remains on the past and on what God didn’t do, then neither you nor I are in a place to “see” what God is doing. We cannot look backward and forward simultaneously, so the decision is ours. Where will your gaze be fixed?

I know it’s not easy to believe that a shift is coming, but it is. In the same way that the Lord gives us seedtime and harvest and reminds us that there is a season for everything under the sun, we can trust that He will keep all of His promises. The promise made to the children of Israel of making a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert (Isaiah 43:19) can also be claimed by us. They went through judgments and would face even more. However, the Lord reminded them that He was still their God when He said in Isaiah 43:15 (NIV), “I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King.”

The Lord knows you, your challenges, heartache, and pain. He is touched by the feelings of your infirmity, and He understands how you are feeling and sees you right where you are. What I love about this is that the Lord understands the season we are in and where our gaze is fixed. I believe God is saying gently to you, “Look to Me. Focus your attention on Me and then all your cares—everything that is affecting you—will become dim in My presence.”

You may be in the wilderness or approaching it. Wherever you are in that journey, you can be comforted with the promise that as you fix your gaze on the Lord, He will make streams in the wasteland for you (Isaiah 43:19). Last year might have been a very hard year for you. I understand because it was true for me as well. However, as I look forward, I am comforted with the hope of a promise that I know will be fulfilled because He who has promised is faithful.

There is a shift coming, a change. I pray that you will be ready to see it and prepared to receive it. Whatever challenge you may be faced with, God is with you, right by your side, and He has wonderful plans for you. Look up and see that He is doing something new for you! Look back to reflect and express gratitude for what God has done then look forward to continuing to move into what God has for you in the future. Ask Him for spiritual eyes and discernment to see His revelations as they unfold.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, I pray that You minister to every soul who needs a gentle reminder to look up to You today and to know that You keep Your promises. May they rest in the fact that what You say You will do, You always will do. Thank You for the shift that is coming. We look forward to the future you have for us with anticipation. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” by Helen Lemmel (Grace Johnston) | North Palm Worship | Throwback Thursday. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Colette Lawrence is an empowered woman who inspires women to be who they were created to be. Her core message is empowerment. She is an author, certified life coach, podcast host, and trainer with the Maxwell Leadership team. 

Colette believes that an empowered woman empowers others and is powerful in knowing who she is and what she can accomplish. Colette is on a mission to impact the lives of the women assigned to her, whether she is their coach or trainer or shares a word that will transform their lives.

Colette utilizes her Christian principles as the base of all her engagements. She is passionate about fulfilling her life purpose of empowering women to know who they are, rebuild their confidence, and use their voices as tools to uplift themselves and others.

​​She is the founder of the M.E.E. Movement L.L.C., a faith-based empowerment ministry business that helps women of faith rebuild their confidence and use their voice to walk in their purpose through life coaching, mentoring, and empowerment speaking. Colette believes in using the gifts God has given her to help women be who God has called them to be and ultimately fulfill the purpose for which they were created. She lives by Romans 8:28 (NIV), that promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

A native of Jamaica, Colette resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is the mother of two beautiful young women, a son-in-love, and two grandsons.

Colette enjoys reading, writing, watching good movies, and chatting with her daughters and friends.

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Connect with Colette:
Blog: https://www.colettemarie.online/blog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colettemarie_cm/
Website: https://www.colettemarie.online/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteMarie-cmc
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2367935
Email: Colettemarieonline@gmail.com