A New New Year

Scripture – Judges 6:33-35: ³³Now all the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples joined forces and crossed over the Jordan and camped in the Valley of Jezreel. ³⁴Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him. ³⁵He sent messengers throughout Manasseh, calling them to arms, and also into Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali, so that they too went up to meet them.

Reflection: The enemies of Israel were gathering. The people had seen this before over the years. They would have expected another attack, much like they’d always seen. But this time, God had a different plan. This time God would use Gideon to lead His people against the enemies.

I find it easy to let things happen as they’ve happened in the past. Yet each moment is a new experience. This day has never been before. While I’ve seen many new years begin, I’ve never seen this new year. What new thing does God have in mind?

Lord, as familiar as some things and circumstances seem, they are all new. Keep me open to that today. Keep me ready for whatever new thing you will do. The fact is, I don’t know who you might raise up to use in a new way. Give me wisdom and discernment as you act today. When necessary, show me when to intervene and when to stay out of the way.