Grace World Outreach Church
Day 1 – Bonus Prelude
All Things New
By: Daniel Norris
“Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.”
(Isaiah 42:9, ESV)
I took a trip to California with one of my friends when I was in college. On a whim, we decided to visit Yosemite National Park. There was no real plan, just a desire to see what so many had raved about.
We figured we could knock it out in a day. We were wrong. Yosemite is a massive park. It is overwhelming in the best possible way.
On another whim, we chose to hike to the top of Yosemite Falls. I had no idea it was a three to four hour climb, all uphill. Needless to say, it was exhausting.
But the payoff was breathtaking. Standing at the top, gazing over sheer granite cliffs, the whole valley stretched out beneath us. It was a moment I will never forget.
However, I was in a hurry. There was no time to linger. There was no time to reflect. I saw it, but I did not soak it in.
My friend, I do not want you to do that as we step into a new season.
You have just come through a remarkable journey, full of miracles, breakthroughs, and moments that mattered. But if we rush into what is next without remembering what was, we rob ourselves of the full view.
Before we dream forward, we reflect by looking back. The old has passed. The new is coming. But first, pause, reflect, and then give thanks.
Let’s Reflect on the Journey:
List 3–5 things from this past season you are most thankful for. For each thing you wrote down, ask yourself:
- What did God teach me through this?
- How did it shape my faith, family, or future?
Now Lift Your Eyes to What’s Ahead:
God says, “New things I now declare.” He is not waiting to reveal your next season. He is speaking it now, before it springs forth.
Write down 3–5 BIG DREAMS you are believing for in this new year:
- Say them out loud.
- Write them somewhere visible.
- Speak them in prayer.
Prayer:
Lord, I give thanks for the former things. You have shown Yourself faithful in so many wonderful ways. Now let fresh vision fill my spirit. Awaken my faith, and may I believe You for new things. In Jesus’ name, amen.