New beginnings
Sometimes we’re called to new beginnings, no matter our age. We expect change when we’re younger–starting school, transitioning to high school, graduations, and first jobs. Then there’s marriage, children, and career advancement to add to those new beginnings.
Sometimes new beginnings are hard
New beginnings become a challenge when they result in disruption of our lives. Perhaps our first career choice didn’t go well, forcing us to change pathways. Sometimes our relationships don’t work out and we are broken hearted at the break up. Financial disaster may strike and we must start over to recover.
We try to look ahead and cannot see where the road will take us.
Sometimes we’re called to start over just on faith
The Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1)
Abram responded to God’s call and traveled with his family and all his possessions to the land of Canaan. All sorts of trials afflicted them–famine, family problems, and war. Most painful of all, Abram had no children, no heirs to continue his heritage and receive his wealth.
But God had a plan for Abram
Then the word of the LORD came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars–if indeed you can count them.” The he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the LORD and he credited it to him as righteousness. (Genesis 15:4-6)
Even though Abram and Sarai sometimes faltered in their trust of God’s plan, God did not break His promises. God changed their names to Abraham and Sarah and made them parents of many generations.
Harder new beginnings
As we become older, we continue to have new beginnings–some are really hard.
- The loss of a spouse or loved one
- The onset of a debilitating chronic disease
- The realization of unmet goals or dreams
- Financial instability with little hope of recovery
Our hope still lies in God’s promises
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. (Nahum 1:7)
God is with us on the journey and is faithful to be with us in those new beginnings, especially the challenging ones.
When has our loving Father been at your side during a trial, or carried you through the trauma of a challenging new beginning?
This I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:21-23)
I pray we can meet those new beginnings with courage, trust in the Lord’s plan, and embrace the change God has sent into our lives.
Am reminded that “the longest journey begins with the first step” Ms. Katherine, and yes, some of those “first steps” are more difficult to take than others. Thank you for godly reminder that we don’t have to take them alone. While God is always there with us, when we are moving along His path and not our own, so too are our friends and family who encourage, exhort, and help us along the journey. I find great peace in knowing I have friends and extended family upon whom I can call upon to pray with me through every step, twist, and turn this old life takes. God’s blessings ma’am.
It’s wonderful when we have family and friends to rally around in prayer when we need them. Their prayers are especially meaningful when we have a new and painful beginning. We are so blessed by our Father’s love. Wishing you and the Cross-Dubya family a blessed week.
I began a new role as caregiver in 2004 and thank God for His faithfulness as I began and continue in that position.
That’s such a long time to serve in that role, Diana. I know God’s presence at your side gives you the strength and courage to keep going. Thank you for helping others on the caregiver journey as you mentor and pray for them.
Your post captured much of my thinking and reality. Acknowledging the reality of the interruption and with it sometimes the ending to what we knew, is key. The new is often a challenge we may not have sought or wanted. The next reality is to know we are not alone in a new path but can “go” forward with God’s faithful accompaniment. Seeking supportive relationships and finding appropriate resources to manage and heal, contribute to walking our new path with grace. Thank you, Katherine, for a significant post.
You’ve been so helpful to me on my “new beginning,” Marilyn. Your wisdom, prayers, and your book, Destination Hope, have been such a comfort. Thank you for helping others through the painful journey of sorrow and loss. Peace and blessings.
I am reminded of the words in the beloved hymn, “Be Still My Soul,”—“In every change, He faithful will remain.” It’s so true! I have found the big changes of my life and challenges they create bring two things: a deep work in my own heart, and a showcase of God’s faithfulness. Thank you, Katherine, for this good scriptural reminder that God has a perfect plan at work for us, no matter how hard the moment. Blessings!
Wendy, thank you for sharing that hymn. The words of “Be Still My Soul” are so comforting when sorrow and loss overwhelm us. I’m so grateful for your kindness and encouragement.
Katherine, this was a most encouraging and hope-filled post. Change and new beginnings can be challenging at times. But you have brought the reminder, which is forever true – “Our hope still lies in God’s promises.” His Word will stand forever!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Joanne. You are right–“Our hope still lies in God’s promises” and we are so blessed to have His promise. He is always faithful and trustworthy. Wishing you a blessed week.
As we age, the change and challenges we face do seem scarier than those of our younger years. But a plus is the wisdom we’ve gained by walking through earlier challenges and finding God was with us every step of the way.
God has the plan, doesn’t He? Aren’t we blessed that He is always with us and seems to know exactly what we need and when? He is Lord! And we are so blessed by his mercy and love. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insights with us today, Candyce.
Thanks you Katherine. This post reminds me of my visit with a 98 year old woman in hospice care last week. She told me she’s praying that I learn something new everyday. Isn’t that a great way to embrace new beginnings?
I love that prayer, Dawn! It is my hope also, to always be a lifetime learner. Your friend is so wise. I know you receive a blessing each time you visit. Joy and blessings!
Our lives are made up of seasons, and we never know when the winds will shift to a new one. Thanks for these godly reminders to trust God throughout every adventure. God bless, Katherine.
You are right, Nancy. Our seasons can quickly change. But one thing we can always be certain of, God will always be with us to guide us through the changes. Thank you for your encouragement. May God bless you.
I hesitate to select a time he’s been close at my side when I know his presence never leaves me. But there have been many distinct times where I felt I could hold his hand, the dark around me making the road ahead unnavigable. Great inspiration, Katherine!
You’ve made such an important point, Mary. He’s always there to hold our hand, especially in those dark times. Thank you.
New beginnings can be hard. They’re a walk of faith. One of my hardest was when we moved across the country and away from our two married children and our only grandchild. I went willingly because I felt that was where God wanted us, but it took a couple of years before I felt comfortable there. God’s faithfulness and love carried me.
Thank you for sharing, LuAnn. That move had to have been very difficult. Our children and grandchildren are so precious and we want to be near them. But you were faithful to God’s call and I’m sure He has blessed you for your obedience. Thank you for being a role model for faith. Peace and blessings.
Katherine, I love to learn, but I realize changes are sometimes hard. Thank you for posting Bible-based wisdom and encouragement.
I’m like you, Jeannie, I also love to learn. But I want to be in control along the way. Gad has shown me I must trust Him and He will be with me through those tough changes. Wishing you joy and blessings.
Even exciting new beginnings can be hard because you’re leaving behind something familiar or comfortable (even when it’s not necessarily good). Thank you for the encouragement to exhibit courage to take the first and next and next steps.
You are right, Annie. New beginnings that we are striving for and looking forward to can still be terrifying. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. Wishing you joy and blessings!
So many new beginnings throughout the years. As I look back, some were exciting but others not but I see God’s hand in each. So when I face new ones going forward, I know God is already there and that helps me.
I agree, Yvonne, God is with us in each new beginning–both the wonderful ones and the painful experiences. And you’ve gained wisdom from those experiences and you bless those of us with whom you share. Thank you for your love and service to our Lord and His people.
Katherine, I am so grateful for your testimony which gives me strength for some of those new beginnings I’d rather not face. Thank you.
I understand the need to avoid some of those tough new beginnings. And when we can’t escape them, we know who is with us in those hard times. We’re blessed that our Lord is always there to carry us through. Thinking of you and praying.