Kezia Lawrence-Graham: New Beginnings

⁠For those who don’t know you, can you introduce yourself and what you do?

My name is Kezia Lawrence-Graham and I’m a big believer in giving yourself permission to be multi-faceted, and so I practice that belief. I’m a disciple of Jesus, a wife, a paediatric nurse, a content creator, a mentor, and an entrepreneur.

⁠⁠This month's theme is new beginnings. What does new beginnings mean to you and why is it important?

New beginnings are really significant to me. God has used every traumatic or painful experience in my life, to bring about an opportunity for Him to do a new thing in me, with me, and through me (Isaiah 43:19)

In the Bible the number 8 represents new beginnings, and I’ve seen time and time again throughout my life, God proving Himself faithful and good, especially in the details like the date or time.

New beginnings are so important because they disconnect from what was, and what’s not necessary for this next season, and give you an opportunity for growth. New beginnings can be a time to refocus, re-align yourself with purpose and truth, and redefine who you are and what you’re about.

New beginnings also give God the space to restore and redeem anything that may have been stolen from you or broken within you in your last season.

What’s the greatest opposition to our new beginnings and how do we overcome it?

Sometimes our greatest opposition can be ourselves.

We can stop or delay or hinder our next season and new beginning simply because of what we believe. We can believe that we’re not worthy, we’re not good enough, we’re too busy, too broke, too fearful of opinions or expectations, or even too comfortable. Too comfortable staying in the season we are in, even when we know it’s not God’s best for us, and he has something better for us. Often comfortable is easier to choose than calling because calling often takes you to new places and new heights, and ‘beginning again’ or ‘starting over’ can be really scary and well.. uncomfortable.

But the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, you are a new creation: The old has gone, the new is here!” We are new creations and we have been created IN the image of Christ. Which means we have victory over every thought, every lie, and every fear.

We have to overcome with declarations of truth, renewing of our minds, prayer, and most importantly the word of God. The great news is, we are ALREADY overcomers because “he who is in us is greater than he who is in the world.” We just have to choose it, declare it, and walk boldly in that truth!

⁠What’s the importance and significance of new beginnings as Christians?

John 3:3 says “Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” The very foundation of our salvation is a new beginning. It’s dying to self and living in the fullness of life that Jesus came to give to us. There are so many accounts of new beginnings throughout the bible, but new beginnings are always with purpose and for purpose- To become more like Jesus and live the life he called us to live.

For a person who is feeling discouraged, how would you encourage them to discover their new beginning?

Firstly, draw near to your father. James 4:8 says “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” He is our source of hope, strength, and joy.

Secondly, discouragement is the absence of encouragement. And the word encourage has the word “courage” in it. So I would encourage you to be courageous, even when you don’t feel like it. Ask that person to pray with you, seek out mentorship, take the leap of faith in your job, and surround yourself with like-minded courageous people. Change can’t happen unless you make some changes.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1v9

How do you stop yourself to go back to reverting your old ways?

Accountability. Intimacy with the Lord. Accountability. Practical boundaries and practice in those areas. Even more accountability (through community, mentorship, and the word of God).

⁠Any final advice?

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). it’s so easy to quote this verse and use it cutely and encouragingly. But to really believe this verse,

To actually believe what it says can be LIFE TRANSFORMING. He truly has a future for us, we simply have to choose it and trust him. And we hope, because hope is a person. And he laid down his life for us, that we may live and live life to its fullest.

So my encouragement to you today is, to not let fear or doubt keep you from your new beginning. Jesus is with you. Give Him your yes and watch him do more with it than you could have ever imagined.