And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. Hebrews 11:15 KJV
And if they had been thinking of that country from which they departed [as their true home], they would have had [a continuing] opportunity to return. Hebrews 11:15 AMP
I am going to start by saying Congratulations! You’re in the New Season. I’m sure you have heard so much about the new season, well, we are in it. It is possible to come into the new and because it does not look like what you expect, you can turn back to the old. Here are three ways to determine your new so you do not miss out on it:
1. Closed Doors:
A closed door in the bible can be a strong indication of a new season. In Joseph’s life, a door was closed through false accusation, forcing Joseph out of Potiphar’s house into his last season of training that eventually took him to the place. Jesus’s season on earth was closed by a betrayal.
Ruth’s season was closed by multiple deaths. This was a difficult one but Ruth chose not to go back to the old life and people she had always known, Ruth chose to step into a new season with her Mother-in-law. It was a season marked initially by lots of uncertainty, but rather than going back to the old, Ruth discerned the new and stepped into it.
Little did she know that this new season would not only restore her life but it would engrain her name in eternity, Ruth’s new season brought her into the lineage of Christ, a blessing that was more than she could have imagined.
Sometimes God Himself closes a door to make you move into the new, other times it could be the enemy that shuts the door, intending to destroy you and other times life just happens. But regardless of how the door was closed, always remember that a closed door is the mark of a new season. When a door closes, discern what God is doing, it may be painful and uncomfortable but do not try to go back. Discern the new, and step into it. It may be full of uncertainty, but you have to be strong and courageous and step in trusting God to lead you.
For those whose new seasons have come through a closed door, do not be discouraged, It is still a new season. God is set to exceed your imagination. All He is asking is that you discern the new and do not go back into the old.
2. Uncertainty
A new season is marked by uncertainty, that’s why it’s new. You have not been here before so you would need a lot of help and learning to navigate this new season. I love this scripture in Joshua 1:4, It was God’s instruction to the Israelites. He said, keep a distance, so you can see the ark and know the way to go. In this case, God was leading them into the new by the Ark.
Yet a space must be kept between you and it, about 2,000 cubits by measure; come not near it, that you may [be able to see the ark and] know the way you must go, for you have not passed this way before. Joshua 1:4
Ruth stepped into her new season with lots of uncertainty. With probably no clear expectations, it was a new land for her but she submitted to learning and direction. Naomi provided Ruth with direction in her new season. We have the Holy Spirit to provide us with direction in this new season. Just like with a new job, there has to be a new orientation and learning to navigate the new. You must be open to learning and depending on the Holy Spirit in this new season because you have not been down this path before.
The temptation here is if, in your old season, you have been up and going, very active, and needing very little guidance, coming into the new season might be perceived as being less productive because you have to slow down. You’re not doing as much because you have to learn. If you do not discern the new, you might go back into the old season and continue doing what you’ve been doing, because of the sense of productivity it gives. If you do not discern the new you might go back to the path you know how to navigate with very little guidance rather than learning to walk in the new. The old is comfortable, the new requires courage. Courage to slow down and learn and then courage to execute. Discern your new season, don’t go back to the old.
3. Favor
A new season is marked by favor. Ruth courageously steps into the new not knowing what to expect and here comes favor like she’s never known. Favor with Boaz as she glens behind his harvesters. Remember this was the very land that Naomi and her family had left because things were difficult, now Naomi is back with no husband or son, however, favor opens the door to provision in a land that was once so difficult.
That which Naomi could not get in the land with a husband and two sons, she not got with only a daughter-in-law. Favor found Ruth and placed her in her home, favor found Ruth and brought her into the lineage of Christ.
Once you step courageously into the new and allow the Holy Spirit to begin to lead you down this new path, one thing you will experience is favor. You will begin to see favor at work in places where there was difficulty, in the places of rejection and hardship. Favor marks a new season and it is experienced by those who have decided to embrace and fully step into the new. Favor is yours in this new season, do not go back to the old.
It is time for God’s glory to shine forth in your life. Get ready for in this season, Gentiles will come to your light and Kings to the brightness of your rising.
Love Always
Obebi
