New Beginnings

January is a wonderful time to start thinking about new beginnings - a time to renew commitments, make a change, and do something better for yourself and for the world. The word beginning is a synonym for the word Genesis. It's new. It's exciting. It's good.

However, starting over, starting again, or simply starting can also be scary. It's unknown. It's different. It's change. In the beginning the world was without form, void, and dark. (Genesis 1:2) Is there anything in your life that seems chaotic (without form), possibly a void of feeling accomplished, appreciated, or heard? Are you in a dark place?

In the midst of a dark and formless world, God's spirit was right there. He was hovering over the waters and it was then that He called forth the light. He was able to separate the darkness from the light and the light was good. (Genesis 1:4)

Whatever situation you are in - whenever the water seems too deep to swim up, remember that God's spirit is there - waiting to call you out of the darkness. Nothing is impossible with God and now is the time for you to make your new beginning. Write your Genesis story, and let it be good.

Sometimes our goals can seem so far away. It's not always easy to see the light - but let the Spirit guide you. He will call you forth for the greatness of His Kingdom. Sometimes I get discouraged when I think about how far I still have to go. Financial goals, family goals, and future goals often seem frustrating because I want to be there now - not in a year or ten years from now. But it helps to look back at some of the things I've already achieved and remember that those accomplishments didn't happen overnight.

Whatever goals you have for the New Year, I hope to be there as an encouragement along the way. I don't have all the answers, (but no one does.) So, let's grow together in 2015!