We are constantly being told about a lot of things that just aren’t so. Jay Leno asked a man on the street, “Can you name one of the Ten Commandments?” The man replied, “Freedom of speech.” Some of those things that just aren’t so include some of the bad advice we hear about starting over in life.
In the last blog we learned two practical insights from the prophet Isaiah of how to start over. First, identify your pain and secondly recognize it’s all about God. Regardless of what you need to start over with here are the other action steps to help you.
Thirdly, be honest about yours.
The positive result of knowing the truth about ourselves is that it can free us to start over no matter how bleak it is. Isaiah was deeply honest with his part in the mess, “Woe to me!”I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips.”v.5 This is important because it builds upon the recognition of the second action step to start over, that it’s all about God.
When we compare ourselves with God its woe to me and wow to God. Like Isaiah, when we honestly look inside our hearts there are things we are not pleased with. This could be depressing if we stopped here.
Fourthly, let go of your past.
After Isaiah confessed his part (v.6-7) and was forgiven he could let go. He got clean. While we all have regrets, but God doesn’t want us to stay stuck in regret. God is into new beginnings.
The psalmist wrote, “Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone” Psalm 32:5. Because regrets are inevitable forgiveness is available for all of us and that’s really good news “He forgives all my sins. He heals me.” Psalm 103:3
What is it that I could be holding on to? A failed relationship, poor choices, or hurtful words I’ve spoken? Thank God we can know God’s assurance of His forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9 Live as you’re forgiven.
Many have a hard time letting go because they feel guilty for what has already been forgiven. The problem for some is that they relive their past by retelling their tale of woe over and over again. Not a good place to be. God moves on – we stay put, paralyzed – stuck. If you’re having trouble letting go talk to a close trusted friend, a pastor or a counselor. Get it out into the light so it doesn’t have power over you. Please don’t stay stuck, let it go. Your future can begin now. You can experience a new start in life.
Fifthly, be available to God.
Isaiah heard the call of El Shaddai and responded, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 May we say along with Isaiah,” God send me, I want to be your man or woman in my sphere of influence.”
There are very few things we can really control. A lot of our disappointment or misery is in wanting to control others or situations that we can’t. What we can control is being available to God, to do our part for a fresh start. We do the possible God does the impossible. Be willing to let God work. There is no formula and it’s not simple to do, but we can make ourselves available to God.
Isaiah identified his pain. He evaluated his heart and knew that real meaningful life was about God, he knew he was forgiven. As a result, Isaiah proclaimed with a grateful heart, “here I am, send me!” There is no better time than NOW for a fresh start. It’s not too late to start over. Will you do that? You won’t regret it.
You are welcome to briefly tell me how you have gotten a new start in life. You can send your response to the email below.
With Hope,
