The Next Step

Writing the next chapter in your life

Psalm 37:23–24 CSB

23 A person’s steps are established by the Lord, and he takes pleasure in his way. 24 Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the Lord supports him with his hand.

Life is a journey and has many twist and turns, obstacles(a thing that blocks one’s way or prevents or hinders progress), and stumbling blocks.

Drive joyfully it is a beautiful journey.

Acts 20:22–24 CSB

22 “And now I am on my way to Jerusalem, compelled by the Spirit, not knowing what I will encounter there, 23 except that in every town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me. 24 But I consider my life of no value to myself; my purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.

Paul’s journeys are actually part of the maps in most bibles. He had all kinds of problems along the way. But he always focused on “finishing”

Our lives are a journey that God has mapped out, and it is us up to us to follow the map even though sometime it is difficult to follow.

We are all at different stages, but he story is still being written.

Things to remember on your journey and as we step into the next chapter

It is a journey of faith

2 Corinthians 5:7 CSB

7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.

We don’t always know the outcome or final destination. Not always sure about all that will happen.

But we take the next step.

A step of faith

It is not always all about us

Our purpose in life is determined by God not us. His gifts not our. We were created for His pleasure and not our own.

He created us to serve others.

Our true reward will always come later.

It is a joyful journey-don’t lose your joy.

It is OK to have fun along the way.

The enemies of joy are designed to get you off course, or to just stop altogether. Maintain joy at all times.

It heals

It strengthens us

It keeps us on the right course

It will never be a perfect journey

Twist and turns turn into testimonies

Obstacles turn into opportunities

Mistakes and messes get turned into miracles

If you fall get up

If you mess up fess up and get back on track

If you realize your going the wrong way turn around

Don’t let what others do or don’t do determine your direction.

It is not over until it’s over

Don’t quit

God’s purpose for our lives does’t end when we get 65. It is not His goal to get us to retirement age and put us out to pasture.

Productivity is best at 64-74

So don’t quit until you’re finished. “Finish my course”

He said when he finished he was ready to go.

Retirement is not so you can do nothing it is so you can do something.

So matter where you are in the the journey...

The next chapter can be the best chapter

And it is not the last chapter until it is “the end”