January 2024 Magazine

Amy Richardson
New Year! Reset! Change!
Many of us have set New Year Resolutions as we have reflected on what has been and
what we’d like things to look like in the New Year. A word that I feel in my spirit for
this year is “change”. I feel that God wants to make changes in us and for us. We have
to be willing to change and most people don’t like that too much.
Possibly that word change might mean to “lead out”. Moses was to lead the people
out of bondage into the promised land but because the people weren’t willing to
change , they spent many years wandering and wondering, but despite all their
complaining, Moses did lead them out.
Change could mean to “do something out of your comfort zone”. Ester was able to
move into the King’s palace not having to give up her identity as a Jew at a time when
Haman wanted to kill them all. She became a voice for her people. We see her walk in
obedience to her calling and use her influence to fight for those who didn’t have a
voice and stand for what was right.
Change could also mean to ”work at it and stand still”. We see Noah do just that. God
had called him to build a boat that would save his family and the animals. People
ridiculed and laughed at him yet he kept working and stood still knowing that in God’s
time and when everything was in working condition, things would change.
What is God calling you to do this year? What changes is He wanting you to make? Or
is He simply saying “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” My change may not
be the same as yours, but as the old song simply says “through it all, trust in Jesus
and trust in God. Through it all, learn to depend upon His word.”
Blessings on you, your family, and your ministry!
25 NJR DIGITAL MAGAZINE .
Amy