Have you ever needed a fresh start? A do-over? I dare say we all have at one time or another (some of us many times), but I have good news! We have a compassionate Creator who wants us to succeed and is faithful to pick us up, dust us off, and help us to begin again.
For a long time after my divorce, I was too ashamed to attend church. I worried about what people would think; I didn’t see how I could be used. Then, I began to think about all the imperfect people God used in scripture. David committed adultery and had the woman’s husband killed. Rahab was a prostitute. Peter denied Christ. The disciples fell asleep while praying. And Lazarus? He was DEAD! Talk about fresh starts! Don’t let the devil tell you that you cannot be used!
If you and I really believe what the Bible says about mercy and forgiveness, we will walk the walk. If we ask for forgiveness from a place of true sincerity, God will do what he says and by the blood of Christ, we WILL be forgiven. God’s never-ending mercy frees us to start over, reinvent ourselves, and do better next time!
I know that forgiving yourself is one of the hardest parts when you feel like you have messed up big. Believe me, I know. It’s easy to forgive others when they ask, but consider this: not accepting that same mercy for ourselves seems a bit like unbelief, don’t you think?
- But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5 NIV
See, here’s the thing. We have ALL fallen short. We are ALL in need of mercy. And what a beautiful thing it is when we receive it. God wipes the slate clean and grants us a brand new start.
- The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning……Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV key verse
NEW EVERY MORNING. I am in awe of that. If you haven’t been who you want to be lately, call a do-over! His mercies are new every morning!
Heavenly Father, I haven’t been the person I want to be lately. I need you to pick me up, dust me off, and help me to begin again. I am so grateful that your mercies are new every morning. You are bigger than my failures. Forgive me and use me to bless others. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Take Action: Consider your failures in the light of how you OVERCAME them, and use that to be a blessing to other people struggling with some of the same issues.
Forgive yourself. Move on. Start over.
Tisha
Guest Contributor:
Tisha Walker is a wife, mother, teacher, blogger, and follower of Christ. In her spare time she enjoy’s portrait and landscape photography, home decor, and discovering new ways to better organize her home and classroom.
She hopes to inspire others through sharing her story. Tisha accepted Christ at an early age, but the walk hasn’t been easy. She has battled depression, experienced divorce, and suffered the losses of her mother, both grandparents, a nephew, and her sister. There were times that she felt completely lost, and made many mistakes. She is extremely grateful, however, for grace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Her desire is to help someone else who might be dealing with any of the issues she has faced and share the good news of the gospel with them. There is hope. There is help. THERE IS VICTORY.
Follow Tisha at www.tishabwalker.com
Super encouraging, tisha! I love it that Gods mercies are new every morning!! And how He led you beyond any shame to His love and grace. I can tell He so loves using you and your story.
I love this! So encouraging! You’re writing style made me feel as though we were sitting together having coffee. ❤
Thank you Tisha and PI. I love the thought of starting over daily. Great post!!