Maybe it’s just me, but I find it really difficult to be in two places at the same time.

Really? You too? Oh good, I thought I was the only one.

Hollywood likes to use this plot in movies and TV shows. You know the one. The main character ends up on two dates at the same time (usually at the same restaurant or movie). Of course, instead of coming clean, they try to appease both dates by running around frantically. It never seems to work out.

It’s a simple truth. You can’t keep the old and receive the new.

My son is struggling with this truth right now. He wants to play with that new toy. The problem is he doesn’t want to let go of the one he already has. He’s only one, I’m sure he’ll figure it out soon.

Here’s a simple truth: Change is constant.

If I asked you what your twitter handle was seven years ago, you may have punched me. Things change fast and continuously.

I read recently that, *“Change is God’s gift to humanity.”

That’s funny to me because for most people change is challenging. Yet, God has given us this precious gift of change.

“Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?” (Isaiah 43.18-19, MSG)

I love that God always has something new in store for you and me. The tricky part can be receiving that new thing.

In his book, Crossing Over, author and pastor, Paul Scanlon wrote this:

“Separation is always the first act of possession.”

He was writing specifically about the Israelites taking hold and possessing their promised land. If they wanted to do so, they needed to leave the wilderness experience behind.

Jesus says it this way, “Unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest.” (John 12.24 NLT)

Yep, the death of the kernel (separation) is the key to the harvest.

What about in your life?

Ask yourself. What are some valid parts of my past that have no place in my future?

Are there some relationships with people that are keeping me from becoming who I’m called to be?

What am I doing today that I must give up (separate from) in order to receive that new thing?

Separation is the first act of possession.

Move forward, let go.

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*Quote from Crossing Over: Getting to the Best Life Yet, Paul Scanlon