New beginnings

November 27, 2006

By William E. Richardson

“Behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV).

One night after the rascal Jacob ran away from home, he had a unique dream. What did he dream a host of angels were doing?

King David marred his God-honoring life with the double sin of adultery and murder. Yet, he repented as passionately as he’d sinned. In his prayer of repentance in Psalm 51, what did David ask God to create in him?

On the dark night of Peter’s denial of Jesus, he disavowed any association with the Lord, even cursing as he betrayed his Savior. What did Peter do after he heard the rooster crow?

Thank God for new beginnings! They offer a future full of promise — from the first day on a new job to the glorious gift of a newborn child. You don’t know on day one how far you may advance in that job. You can’t predict all the newborn will grow up to accomplish. New beginnings are brimful with exciting, yet-to-be-discovered possibilities.

So it was for the three subjects in today’s quiz. Jacob dreamed of angels going up and down a ladder reaching into heaven — a new beginning and a brighter future with God. King David prayed in Psalm 51 for God to create in him a clean heart — repentance and a new beginning. After Peter heard the rooster crow, he fled from the courtyard, weeping sorrowfully — beginning his life of greater service for God.

This week you may embark on a new job, or further education or training. You may get married or start a family. You may move into a new home or begin attending a new church. You may retire. Any one of these events is a thrilling way to start a new chapter in life.

Each new phase of life is a perfect time to commit to drawing closer to God. Every time God blesses you with a new beginning is the right time for a new beginning with Him.

Does your new event call you to repentance? Or to draw closer to God for strength and guidance? I hope you’ll take this season of change to renew your heart and relationship with God.

William E. Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God.