It has been such a long time since I posted anything here. Honestly for a while there I began to think this blog had become a fond memory. I enjoy writing; but some time ago I allowed myself to get distracted.
The times I posted just got farther and farther apart and eventually stopped altogether. A few days ago, something happened which made me think it would be a good analogy to use for my blog. It was then I realized how much I missed this.
My writing helps me focus on the importance of living for Christ. Life is full of moments that remind me of God and I get excited when I do. That is why I started this blog several years ago - to share these moments. So here I am again --starting over --and grateful for the opportunity.
This reminds me of how wonderful it is when God gives us the chance to start again. The Bible is full of stories about new beginnings. Abraham was called by God to leave his home - and his father Terah -- all that was familiar to him and go "to the land I will show you" (Genesis 12:1). God didn't even give Abraham a specific destination. He just told Abraham to leave from where he was. And Abraham did so without hesitation.
Some people had to start over again because of circumstances outside of their control. Lot had to leave Sodom and Gomorrah behind because the Lord was going to destroy those cities. What about Noah and his family? Talk about starting over!
Joseph had to start over when his brothers sold him to slave traders. Actually, let's look at Joseph's life in more detail. He had to learn how to live without the privileges of the wealth of his father. Even more devastating was the fact he had to learn how to live without his father's loving presence.
Then after settling into his role as Potipher's servant, his master's wife falsely accused him and he was put in prison. He had to deal with another betrayal -- another adjustment. The next new beginning came when he interpreted Pharoah's dream. He went from prisoner to be in charge of the entire kingdom. Still Joseph was without his family.
Finally, Joseph was reunited with his brothers and his father. For Joseph perhaps this new beginning was the best one of all! He graciously forgave his brothers and was with his beloved father once again. His brothers had the chance to be reconciled to Joseph and the family was reunited once more.
How many times throughout the Old Testament did the nation of Israel turn their back on God, fall into idolatry and then come back to Him with repentant hearts? This is representative of one who becomes a Christian -- a new creation after baptism. The old way of life is put away and a new path is chosen -- the right path.
All of these are types of new beginnings. I am so happy God gives us these examples. It gives me great comfort to know we have a loving God who is willing to give us the chance to start over again when we stumble and fall.
The thing is starting again with God is our choice. Abraham chose to follow God and start a new life away from everything he knew. Joseph chose to not to give up when his life changed again and again. We choose to become new creatures in Christ and live our lives for Him.
Living the Christian life is a struggle sometimes. The devil is strong. He is ever present -- lurking in the shadows to tempt us when he finds a way in. The good thing is God knows our hearts. Christ lived as a human and He knows what we go through here.
We are going to mess up sometimes -- we aren't perfect and should never pretend to be. The apostle John warns us to be careful about this. The passage found in 1 John 1:7-9 is so beautiful and such a comfort:
"But if we walk in the light, as He in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (ESV).
How wonderful this is! John goes on to tell us in the first verse of chapter 2 we have an advocate with the Father, that is Jesus Christ, the righteous. See, we can always turn back to Him - if we choose to do so. That is the key. We have to love Christ enough to walk in the light. It is only when we make the choice to follow Christ that He becomes our advocate. We must follow His commandments.
Scripture after scripture speaks to us about starting over again -- and we must remember it is never too late to turn back to Him. It is never too late to do the right thing. Jesus wants to be with us; but it is up to us to make that move.
So if you need to get your spiritual life back on track, go ahead and make the move. If you get discouraged from time to time or slip up and lose your temper remember to confess to the Father. Our Christian race is often full of obstacles. Sometimes we may fall prey to them. Remember to go to our Advocate - Jesus Christ. Pick yourself up and start again. Our Lord will be with you every step of the way!
Christ above all things,
Robin
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