She Is Not Who She Used To Be

A New Year Devotional for Women

By Dee Davis | Divine Inspirations

Focus Scripture — Isaiah 43:18–19 (NLT)

“But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun!

Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness.

I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”

⸻

Devotional

As the year comes to a close, many women find themselves reflecting on the road they have traveled — the victories, the tears, the lessons, the quiet battles no one else saw.

For me, this past year was not gentle.

The challenges shook me to my very core. They forced me to look at myself in a different light. I am no longer the fragile, timid woman who once felt as though she stood on the edge of a mental breakdown. Through God’s grace and relentless love, I have become more confident, more outspoken, and more focused. There is still work to do — but now I am living from a healed place.

Rejection, abandonment, low self-esteem, depression, bitterness, and despair…

those chapters no longer define me. They are now faint memories of a season God carried me through.

And as I step into this new year, I do so with intention.

I am determined to keep the momentum of living authentically, loving God the Father, His Son, and His Spirit with my whole heart.

I am confident of this with everything in me:

I was not a mistake.

God was with me before I was born.

He was with me when I was born.

And He will remain with me even as my hair turns gray.

Isaiah 43:18–19 reminds us that God is not asking you to cling to what was — even if it was painful, familiar, or comfortable. He is calling you to recognize what He is doing now. The wilderness you survived is becoming the pathway you now walk with purpose. The dry places you once walked are now becoming rivers of renewal for you.

So if this year has changed you — if it has refined you, strengthened you, and awakened you — rejoice in that!

Because you are not losing yourself.

You are becoming H.E.R. The Healed, Empowered, Restored woman of God!

And she is not who she used to be!

⸻

Reflection Question

What part of your past year is God asking you to release so you can fully embrace the new thing He is doing in you?

⸻

Encouraging Action Steps

   •   Write down three ways God has grown or healed you this year.

   •   Declare aloud: “I am not who I used to be — and I am grateful.”

   •   Enter the new year with one intentional habit that nurtures your relationship with God.

⸻

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for carrying me through every valley and every victory.

Thank You for the healing You have begun in my heart and mind.

As I step into this new year, I release what no longer serves the woman You are shaping me to be.

I trust the new thing You are doing.

I walk forward in faith, hope, and confidence.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Stay encouraged and be blessed!

Happy New Year!