Do you ever feel like you need a new beginning? Thats exactly how I was feeling not too long ago. I was tired and frustrated, a little disoriented spiritually, disgusted with some of the things happening in the world and in the Church, and distracted by so many situations that I could do absolutely nothing about.
I probably needed to recite the Serenity Prayer about a thousand times.
God, Grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
But I didnt have the presence of mind to do even that.
At first I just ignored all these feelings and tried to keep busy. But ignoring things doesnt make them go away. It took a while, but finally I realized that I needed a new beginning.
One of the things I love about our faith is that our God is a God of second chances, fresh starts, and new beginnings.
I love Mondays, because each Monday is a new beginninga fresh start! God gives us Mondays, and New Years Day, and birthdays, and every single one represents a new blessing and a new beginning.
In the Bible we read these epic tales of the incredible ways that God transformed people and their lives: Moses, Noah, Jonah, Jeremiah, David, Joseph, Mary, Peter, James, Matthew, Zacchaeus, Paul, Lydia, Mary Magdalene, the woman at the well, and so many others whose names we dont know. Why not you and me? Why not now?
God is always waiting on us. Sometimes we may think we are waiting for him, but that is never true.
Whats happening in your life right now? Whats not working in your life? What great question are you grappling with in your heart? Why did you pick up this book? Do you need a fresh start too?
Whenever I get to a place in my life where things arent making sense, it always seems that I need to rediscover Jesus.
Jesus is the ultimate new beginning.
POINT TO PONDER: It is never too late for a fresh start.
VERSE TO LIVE: Ask and it will be given to you; search and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. MATTHEW 7:7
QUESTION TO CONSIDER: In what area of your life is God inviting you to experience a new beginning?
PRAYER: Jesus, help me to believe that a new beginning is possible.
Excerpt from Matthew Kellys new book, Rediscover Jesus.
Hardcover. 183 pages.