The Good in Every Step

Four years ago, we were bringing in the New Year, not knowing that our lives would forever be changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Illness, hospitalizations, death, isolation; it was all daunting, scary, and unchartered territory for many. (My heart empathizes with those who lost loved ones during this time.) The pandemic caused families to slow down and get creative by spending intimate time with their loved ones and reconnecting. New births came out of the pandemic: children, books, ministries, rediscovery of oneself, realization the church can go on even without a building, and church meeting many across the world online. Jobs even realized they could sustain themselves in a work-from-home environment, leading to cost savings for the company, while some businesses had to close due to financial problems. In my opinion, the pandemic was a shaking, a reconnecting, a discovery, or a saving for all to see the importance of what is right in front of them. What's the importance: family, love, gathering, experience, teaching, bonding, knowledge; the list goes on. You've probably wondered why this pandemic happened and for what reason or cause. I do know one thing: God is sovereign. There are many opinions, thoughts, and messages about what people think is happening as a result. Let's look at this from a different perspective: good. What if we take a moment to reflect on what good has come out of the pandemic? What if we continue to prepare ourselves for the good that comes from a not-so-great situation?

How do we do that, prepare for good? I'm glad you asked. Let's look at a well-known disciple named Peter. If you don't know Peter, let me tell you a few facts about him. Peter walked with Jesus during his ministry on earth. He witnessed firsthand the teaching, miracles, and the death of Jesus. Peter walked on water. Peter told Jesus that he would follow him always. He denied Jesus three times. After realizing what he did, Peter repented and changed his life to teach and preach the gospel message. This brings me to the passage in Acts that I'd like to focus on: Peter's imprisonment (Acts 12:3-12).

In the passage, Peter is arrested by King Herod Agrippa under tight supervision of four squads of four soldiers each (Acts 12:3-4). (That's some heavy protection.) The charge was simply because the king wanted to prosecute some believers in the church (Acts: 12:1). As Peter is asleep in prison, he receives a visit from an angel, who gives him instructions:

1.  Get up (Acts 12:7)

2.  Get dressed and put on your sandals (Acts 12:8)

3.  Put on your coat ad follow me (Acts 12:8)   

So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn’t realize it was actually happening (Acts 12:9)

Peter followed the angel, passed both guards (the ones he was recently chained to), went to the gate which opened and passed through it (heavily guarded as well), and continued walking down the street (Acts 12:6,10). When the angel left Peter, he realized the Lord sent the angel to save him from Herod and the Jewish leaders (Acts 12:11).

Here are a few takeaways and encouragement as you embark on your journey in 2024. 

Find Community

Who are you linked to? The people in your circle are your links. What are they connected to, good influences or bad influences? Are they moving in the same direction you are, or are they holding you back? What message is your circle giving you when you need help? Are they telling you what you want to hear or giving you the hard truth? Peter had a community to pray for him in his not-so-great situation (Acts 12:5,12). Link yourself to a community of people who will pour into you mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. Finding your community may look different for many of you. Don't be afraid to seek the help you need; be vocal about where you are. Your community matters.

Find Peace

Acts 12:6a says Peter was asleep the night before he was placed on trial. Do you have peace over your circumstances? Peace comes in several ways: setting boundaries, focusing on Christ, your actions, forgiveness, and prayer. Peter's peace here shows that he knew Jesus, walked with him, and was able to rest, knowing that God would take care of his situation. There is a peace that will transcend your understanding (Philippians 4:7). How is your sleep? Begin to work on your peace. Connect to Jesus.

Listen

Some instructions are given to you before you can even start anything, either written or verbal. How often do you read or listen to instructions? Those instructions will produce success if followed correctly. Recall those moments when instructions were given to you. Were they completed? Or did you not complete what you were last instructed to do? If so, go back to your previous instruction and do that. Listening requires you to be still and quiet. In stillness, you can discern your next step. Take some quiet moments and listen this year. Write down your instructions. Keep your eyes, ears, and heart open to listening and receiving; you may get your answers to your instructions. Follow the order of instructions as they are given to you.

Step in faith

In Acts 12:9, it says Peter left the cell. For Peter to make the first step, he had to have some faith that he would be ok. Peter walked, not knowing the outcome but trusted. (I believe this had something to do with his previous encounter of taking his eyes off Jesus while he was walking on water. Read Matthew 14:22-33) Each step he took was steady. Take the first step. You may have taken a few steps and didn't even realize it. What steps have you taken in 2023 that will help in 2024? Take steady faith steps this year. Growth and progress take time. Each step counts. Each victory matters. Even when you do not quite get it right, get back up, dust yourself off, and keep trying. Peter did the same.      

Not-so-great situations happen all the time. We cannot predict when they will happen or what will happen. We can only control what we can. Those things not in our control are left to the one who knows all: God. This is why we reflect on what we have learned and what growth has come from each situation. If you and I focus on the bad of a situation, how will we know if a lesson is taught for growth? As you and I walk into 2024, let's gather our community, invoke our peace, put on our listening ears, and move our feet toward our purpose in mental and physical healing, vision, finances, family, education, etc. No matter what happens this year, there is good in every step.

How will you begin to look for the good in every step?

Happy New Year to you and your family!

Shantee' Owens

Founder

Free You Purpose Ministry

www.freeyoupurpose.com

freeyoupurpose@gmail.com

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the New Living Translation (NLT) Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007, 2015 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.