New
beginnings are possible. Just ask Brayan, a young man who joined a gang in
elementary school. Brayan ran away when he was 12 years old, and for 3 years
was lost in gang and drug life. Although he left the gang and returned home, it
was difficult for him, as he had been expelled from school for selling drugs.
When he enrolled in a new high school, however, a teacher inspired and
encouraged him to write about his experiences rather than repeat them. He
embraced the challenge and is now experiencing a fresh start.
God,
through the prophet Isaiah, encouraged Jewish exiles to think about a new
beginning as well. God said, “Do not remember the former things, nor consider
the things of old” (Isa. 43:18). He told them to stop dwelling on their
punishment and even on His display of power through the original exodus from
Egypt. He wanted their attention to be focused on God who would give them a new
beginning by bringing them home from Babylon through a new exodus (v.19).
With God, new beginnings are possible in our hearts. He can help us to let go of the past and start clinging to Him. Relationship with Him provides a new hope for all who will trust Him.
God gives fresh starts from the inside out. (RBC)
