Scripture:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17
Encouragement:
Paul reminds us in this passage that when we give our lives to Christ, he doesn’t just forgive us of our past mistakes – he makes us into a brand new person. He gives us the strength and courage to leave behind old habits and start fresh.
When we think about the prospect of a new year, we often think about making resolutions – things that we want to change about ourselves. But what if this year, we made a resolution to let God create a new beginning for us?
Whether you feel like you’re stuck in a cycle of sin or feel like you’re just going through the motions of your faith, there’s good news! In Isaiah 43:18-19, the Bible tells us, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
God wants to do a new thing in our lives – to break us free from the things that hold us back and to lead us down a path of redemption and renewal. But we have to be willing to let go of our past and trust in God’s plan for us.
As we enter into this new year, let’s lay down any burdens or baggage from our past and allow God to create a new beginning for us. He is faithful and just, and he desires to give us new life in him. May we experience the joy and freedom that comes with being a new creation in Christ, now and always!
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for the promise of a new beginning with you. Help me to let go of my past and trust in your plan for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.