Fresh Start
I’ve always loved this time of year. When I was growing up, I couldn’t wait to get new school supplies and new clothes. I especially liked the fact that the slate was cleared from the year before–even though I would be with a new group of students, a different teacher, and learning different things. Who doesn’t like that feeling of having a fresh start?
There’s another kind of fresh start that I’ll never forget — when I became a believer my freshman year in college. I can’t tell you how good it felt to know that I was made new. (2 Corinthians 5:17 ~ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!) There’s not a better (or comparable) feeling than knowing that you’ve been forgiven –by God’s grace.
Learning to become what God wants you to be is a process, isn’t it? I’m so thankful that he doesn’t give up on me (us) when we mess up.
Truthfully, there’s been about a gazillion times when I’ve failed to find the strength to deal with or overcome something. Even though I would talk to God about it, over and over, it didn’t seem to help. I couldn’t understand why I didn’t have the strength that I prayed for – even after reciting Philippians 4:13 a million times. It just didn’t work. Why?
Today I finally realized that I’ve been doing it all wrong. It only took 30 years, but I guess it’s better late than never. Ha.
I’ve put a lot of time and effort into praying for strength to overcome things, but I was missing an important step — surrender.
If you’re searching for strength to get through or over something, don’t make the same mistake that I did. Pray continually, put your hope in Christ — and surrender it all. That’s when His strength will come down upon you and lift you up.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Isaiah 40:31 …but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Live-Write 
God gives us a fresh start the day we accept Him as Lord and savior. And I for one am happy about the new start over…
Amen! Me, too. God bless you, Desiray.
Bless you to my dear…