Monday, August 12, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

What to Do with a Clean Slate

Revelation 21:5 And the One sitting on the throne said, "Look, I am making everything new!" And then He said to me, "Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true."

I have always LOVED a new school year. I love the new school supplies, new wardrobe, and most importantly the NEW OPPORTUNITIES!

How awesome is it that each year, a school-aged child has the opportunity to start NEW! Maybe the previous year was great for them, and they are just stepping into another amazing year. OR sadly maybe the previous year was very rocky filled with learning and behavior challenges and a new year is LONG overdue.

In either case, a new year or a new season is exciting. It's an opportunity to learn and grow.

Do you ever feel that way...like you just need a FRESH start? Maybe you have had challenges in the season you have been in or have outgrown that season.

Here's the potential problem though... So often, we are blessed with entering into a new season...maybe it's a new job, a new task or a new relationship, and we approach it wearing last year's sneakers and studying last year's textbook.

If you were dissatisfied with the last season of your life yet approach the new season in the SAME way, you may find yourself repeating that "grade" again in life.

God is in the business of new beginnings and fresh starts.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a NEW person. The old life is gone; a NEW life has begun!"

Even if you thrived in your last "season" of life, there can still be even MORE for you in the next chapter of your life. So often, we limit ourselves and our potential, but God has more in store for each of us than we could EVER imagine.

I challenge you today to put your "new shoes" on and approach the season you are in with tenacity, grace, and excellence. If you have struggled in the past in your relationships with God or others OR your tasks on the job or school, DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT. Tackle this day with a fresh perspective and a new strategy based on the confidence that you have in Jesus Christ.

Dear Lord, I thank You for a new day. Forgive me for any past mistakes or offenses against You, and give me the strength to represent You with honor in all of my days!

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.