As I considered this new season of my life and ministry I thought it might be appropriate to read something from Holy Scripture having to do with the theme of new beginnings. The book of Joshua seemed to be a good place to start since it was Israel’s entrance into a new land with a new leader. For the next several entries I will utilize this story as a way to communicate the journey God is unfolding for me, and for Press Pause Ministries. Hopefully it will be an encouragement to you as well.

As I look at the future it is hard to make out the details of what is ahead. So far, God has not blessed me with vision that goes much beyond the present moment. In my life I am trying to make out the features and shape of things ahead, yet much of what I see is vague.

One of the things that the Lord explained to Joshua was the boundaries of the new place being entered. Boundaries help define the space entered and provide a context for life to be lived. I find, that when the boundaries in my life are vague, my sense of direction and purpose become vague as well. When my boundaries are vague I can encroach upon the space of others and be disruptive to their life and well-being. In fact one of the things I can at times do when I have been invited into the place of listening to another is begin to give unsolicited advice regarding their situation.

I was speaking to a family member on the phone and found myself constantly interrupting his sentences to interject some thought or idea I felt was pertinent and needed. Instead of just being a listening ear I had turned into Dr. Phil. That kind of behavior doesn’t create a sense of authentic dialog, but instead reduces much of conversation to the monolog of advice giving. Boundaries help me to recognize where my space ends and another person’s space begins. Clear boundaries also afford me the opportunity to hospitably invite someone into the space designated as mine and there to allow them to encounter the God I have come to know as love.

I am presently entering a new land, a new space and context to experience the life and ministry God has for me. As I do so I believe the insight from Joshua is to listen for the boundaries God has already established for that space and place and then move into that space with confidence and direction. God has marked out the boundaries and is inviting me to join Him in the space He provides. Where might He be inviting you into new space in which to encounter, experience and express His life and love? How might the Lord want to provide insight into the boundaries for that space?