Thursday, January 23, 2025

When was a time when you had to start fresh? Maybe it was moving to a different city, starting a new school, or changing jobs. If you’re anything like me, it probably brought forth a variety of emotions.

New beginnings bring on a whole host of feelings, from excitement and gratitude, to anxiety and grief. However, God calls on us to be bold and hold tightly to our faith in the face of our challenges and circumstances. New beginnings are like the much-anticipated end to the darkest night, the light at the end of the tunnel, springtime after a dark winter.

Joshua 1:9
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

New beginnings might feel strange at first. Often, we are full of questions and anticipation. But instead of fixating on all the things that we think will go wrong, we must focus on the potential God has for us and move forward trusting in him. It is normal to dislike change—unfamiliarity is uncomfortable. However, we must remember that it grows us as Christians and provides an opportunity to draw nearer to God.

There are countless incidents in the Bible where God’s people had to deal with new beginnings. One significant new beginning was when the Israelites reached the Promised Land. 

While one may think that this new beginning would have been a time of rejoicing and praising, it was not easy for the Israelites to adjust to their newfound freedom. In fact, they initially told God it would have been better to die as slaves back in Egypt than to risk starving in the Promised Land (Exodus 16:1-5)! 

Just as God supplied the Israelites with their daily bread (manna) and quail, he provides for our every need today. However, he doesn’t promise that new beginnings, even long awaited good ones, will be easy. Each beginning is an opportunity to trust God and embrace his plan for our lives.

God has a plan for each one of us, a plan that involves transforming us into the people he created us to be. Instead of fearing new beginnings, he invites us to place our total trust in him. Though we may experience negative feelings along the way, he promises to lead us to the best happy ending. 

Questions:
What emotions come to mind when you think of change?

What are some ways that you can focus on the positives that come with new beginnings and let go of the anxieties they may bring?

Next Steps:
Join a Group this Spring Semester to start a new beginning in your faith and get involved in a community of like-minded Jesus followers.

Attend GrowthTrack to see where God is calling you to start a new beginning in your service to others.

21 Days of Prayer
Day 18—Power  

Today’s Prayer Focus: To Receive Power (Philippians 2:12-13)

Today’s Prayer: 
Heavenly Father, thank you for working within me. I am in awe of the changes you make possible in my heart, growing me to love you and others more. I praise you for saving me—for making salvation possible through your Son. Help me to share this gift with others. Teach me to desire what you desire. I trust you to give me the power to do all you ask of me. In Jesus' name, amen. 

Series Theme Verse:
Romans 12:2
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. 

This post was written by Isabelle Billnitzer, a Perrysburg attendee, and a regular contributor to the LivingItOut.