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Moving on to the next chapter with God

Ruth Lilley explains why she is reluctant to say goodbye to this year’s primary class, and then face a brand new class in the autumn.

This week I shall come to the end of the year with my wonderful class at school. I’m not very keen about letting them go! Why? Well, for many reasons, such as - they have been really brilliant. Also, I have enjoyed getting to know them and being part of their stories, and watching them grow has been a huge privilege.
 
However, probably the biggest reason is because this class is familiar and what comes next is unknown! I know they are ready to start the next chapter and actually this knowledge should be what encourages me. I should let this spur me on to the next step, rather than holding on to the old.
 
The unknown can seem overwhelming, although if I make the choice to view it from a different perspective then maybe I will be more ready to welcome whatever the next steps may bring. I recently read these verses, written by King David:-
 
For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights.
He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
You make your saving help my shield; your help has made me great.
You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way.
2 Samuel 22:32-37 (New International Version)

 
The truth in these verses provides great encouragement. To know that God is my rock, the One on whom I can depend and find security, gives me confidence to face the unknown because He is my safe place.
 
I know that God is good and that He will not let me down, therefore I am able to ‘stand on the heights’ because His strong arm has carried me there. God is helpful - He does not bring me into a new situation and abandon me there. No, instead He ‘arms me with strength’ so I am able to embrace the new.

As I look back, I see how God has enabled me over this past year with the class which I now do not want to let go of. I am armed with the knowledge that He had made the path broad when it had felt narrow. I can allow the imprint of His faithfulness to strengthen me.
 
So, instead of holding on to what is comfortable, I feel now is the time to be brave and see the new as an adventure waiting. I can choose to say, ‘Let’s do this!’ and be ready to step out into the unknown and begin the next chapter because I know I am not stepping out alone. 

The image above is from Pixabay


ruth starkings 150CFRuth Lilley teaches at an infant school in Norwich. She also enjoys writing, and writes a regular blog called ‘With Every Sun Comes A New Day.’

 
 
 

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