A prayer for ushering in new seasons by Chelsea Dimitias, read by Leah Martin.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according

to the power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus

throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3, 2321. Isn't it interesting how at the end of every calendar year most people

excitedly invite in the next season? It seems as though the newness of a new year brings

anticipation, but the newness of a new season in our lives can bring on unwanted feelings.

As of worry, doubt, fear and apprehension, the apprehension of what will change, fear

for what will no longer be and worry about what's to come with the new set of circumstances

that stands before us. As I'm entering a new season of life, I've been in deep conversation

and prayer with the Lord. What if you, me and all believers around the world ushered

in new beginnings with hearts full of wonder and trust in the Lord? The wonder of what

God will change, trusting in what God will remove, and hoping in all God will bring forth

in our lives with his new sets of circumstances for us. While this wouldn't exempt us from

trials, it would prepare us with hearts that are willing to fully surrender to him and

see what he will do. You see, everything changes when our perspective

goes from earthly to eternally. Our hearts are challenged, changed and shaped when we

set our eyes on the Lord and not what lies ahead of us. Paul writes to us in Ephesians 3.20

That God can do, will do and is doing more than we could ever ask or imagine. God is doing

things that bring him and his church glory. Mother's much mystery in that passage, we find

a powerful promise, a promise that we must cling to as we navigate our time here on earth.

Once the Lord promises us, he will do more than we could ever ask or imagine, we need

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