It is common for human beings to desire new and pleasant things in their lives, that’s why festive seasons such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, and days such as Valentine’s Day, weddings, and birthdays are usually widely celebrated because of the new things they bring. It was mentioned in our previous post that we usually have some old baggage (e.g scars from the pasts, disappointments, failures etc.) that hinder us from taking the bold step into the new thing we desire. However, those things hindering us or holding us back are only lies and tricks from the devil who does not want us to live our glorious destinies and purposes for which we were created by God.
God’s plan for us is to see us achieve new goals and grow daily (Jeremiah 29:11), He says we should forget about the past but look at the new thing He is doing for us, which is already at our disposal (Isaiah 43:18-19). Do not hesitate to try again just because of setbacks that you faced in the past. Simon Peter and his colleagues spent the whole night fishing yet did not catch a fish, but when Jesus Christ stepped into his boat and encouraged him to try again despite his disappointment from the previous night, he courageously obeyed, and his reward was a bountiful harvest of fish (Luke 5:4-10).
What’s holding you back from trying again? Do not let it define you.
1.) Stick to Your Identity
The believer’s identity is in Jesus, He is the only one who defines her, and not circumstances, past failures, setbacks, or opinions of others. When we realize this truth, we will never stop growing because of obstacles we find on our way. Jesus is not confined by earthly protocols, He makes a way where there is no way, He is the Word, and He is infallible. We therefore must stick to Him against all odds because He is the solution to everything.
2.) Affirm Your Identity Daily
We have a role to play in defining ourselves. Jesus Christ has given us a new identity that is far greater than the identities of the world. We however must recognize, accept, and affirm this identity for it to be made manifest in our lives, and to become our reality here on earth. He wants us to partner with Him through the Holy Spirit by declaring and affirming His words and promises to us especially when we are faced with circumstances that try to hold us back.
3.) Change and New beginnings are Inevitable
It is a common saying that change is the only constant factor on earth; new things are bound to happen throughout the duration of human existence on earth. These new beginnings could be positive or negative, some within our control and others beyond our control. It is our responsibility to position ourselves in the right way to attract positive new beginnings in our lives, through the choices we make, the decisions we take, the activities we engage in, the people we hang out with etc. The choices we make will determine what we are going to attract. Some people choose to follow Jesus Christ, and attract salvation, wisdom, peace, joy, prosperity, and eternal blessings. Others choose to rely on their own wills and consciously or unconsciously attract sin, the devil and eternal condemnation.
4.) The Voice of God
The Bible admonishes us to listen to the voice of God in everything we do because He is the one who will keep us on track (Proverbs 3:5-6 msg translation). Jesus Christ sent the Holy Spirit to help us when He left the earth. The Holy Spirit is here to direct and lead us into great and new beginnings that glorify God, gives us joy, and brings peace. Without wisdom and direction from above, we are very likely to make wrong choices and decisions that have negative consequences.
Dear friend, do you desire a new beginning? If yes, I would like to let you know that it all starts with God through His Son Jesus Christ. Have you made that life changing decision to make Jesus Christ your Master, Lord, friend, and closest companion? All you must do is to recognize that you have sinned against Him (by doing things your own way), repent and forsake your sins, surrender, and dedicate your life to Him in everything you do.