Seize the Promises of a New Beginning

 

By:Donna Bucher

I like new things don’t you? Many of us received new items as gifts for Christmas, new clothes, new appliances, new books and new, fun gadgets. I love the excitement of using a new appliance for the first time and my heart thrills settling in with a new book.

It’s not that I never held a book before, but I have never held this book before. The New Year ahead feels much the same. Twelve full months, 365 twenty-four hour days, same as the last year, but I have never seen this year before.

With the turn of a page and a click of the clock, a new, fresh beginning sits before me full of promise!

Yet, like many of the gifts received at Christmas, the shiny newness wears off before long. Despite resolutions, goals and hopes, the excitement of another new year becomes but a faded memory.

 

“And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new. Also he said, Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Revelation 21:5

 

Jesus speaks these words seated on the Throne of Heaven as the Apostle John sees a new heaven and new earth come down. We know all things will be made new at the end of time, but God makes all things new even now.

 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17. God transforms us at salvation from the inside out.

 

Starting with salvation, God gives us new life within, which then overflows, making new our lifestyle, our words, our thoughts, and our desires. The process of sanctification continues making all things new as we mature in Christ.

 

Sometimes the renewal process provides a joy-filled experience of transformation like a beauty make-over or redecorating a room. While at other times spiritual renewal feels like a full house renovation, complete with demolition!

 

Either way, God makes us new creatures in Christ, and the journey becomes a marvelous one if we choose submission to His ways.

 

In the same way the process of sanctification contains unknowns, trials and wondrous moments of transformation; a new year offers its own surprises. At first I thrill with the anticipation, but soon grow weary with the unknowns, hardships, and constant change.

 

How can we maintain the excitement of the new when the paths grow rough and dark?

 

By seizing the promises of a new beginning.

 

At salvation we received the promise of God’s Presence, the promise of God’s preparation for every trial and service and the promise of God’s purpose for our lives.

 

As my heart thrills with the excitement of a new year, fear pokes its ugly head in, reminding me a new year holds many unknowns and surely a rough path or two. But the same promises greeting me at salvation’s new beginning, greet me at the dawn of this New Year.

 

The Promise of His Presence. At salvation, God came to stay. As Joshua 1:9 promises, He is with you wherever you go. And not only that, but “he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14.) His Presence goes with you into the New Year.

 

The promise of His Preparation. At salvation, God began a good work in us preparing us for the day we would be like Christ, dwelling with Him forever. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us God prepares us for good works. But He also prepares us for hardships, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;” (Psalm 23:5). Step into the New Year knowing His Preparation is sufficient for everything before you.

 

The promise of His Purpose. God’s good purpose to restore the Divine image marred by sin begins with salvation. Working all things together for good for this express purpose of conforming us to the image of Christ. (Romans 8:28-29). His Purpose for you will be accomplished in all you encounter in this New Year.

 

 

Seizing the promises of a new beginning enables you to embrace the excitement of a new year, confident of God’s sovereign care for you. Which of these three promises challenges you most? Please let me know in the comments so I can pray for you!

Find more encouragement and FREE Resources at Serenity in Suffering!

 

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