Monday, December 31, 2018

Let’s Try This Again

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.   Isaiah 40:29-31
Let’s Try This Again 
It is December 31st and tomorrow the new year will be here.  A new year is marked by new goals, determination, resolutions… and starting over.  This past year may have been tough, and it may have not played out exactly like you thought it would, but with the new year comes a new opportunity for a great comeback.  You may be down and out now, but God can take your story and turn it around.  
Because your life will be different than what you expected it does not mean it’s over. The rest of your life can be the best of your life. Regardless of your season or your status, you can begin today with the benefit of past experience and the power of purpose.
This is not strictly a midlife thing, or crisis. Age has no relevance to our halftime since we don’t know how long our lives will be. Many of the men and women in the Bible who were used by God were called to their greatest work after they had already been through half of their life or more.  Whether it is halfway through your life or not, sometimes it is just time to regroup. 
The start of a new year is a great time to take a long look at our lives.  The promise of a clean slate, starting over, reconstruction.  Salvage.  How can we take the broken life we’ve been living and salvage what is there?  We can’t, but God can.  Save. How can we save what is not totally destroyed?  We can’t, but God can.  Savior.  The Savior is the only hope for the salvage of our broken lives.  You can you start off the new year in a better place than you are now by committing it all to God.  Commit the old, the broken, the hopeless parts of your life and the unseen road ahead too. 
I hope you feel the grace and love of your Savior as you reflect on the past 12 months.  I hope you feel the blessing of His love in the beautiful blessings of the past 12 months.  I hope you remember His sacrifice for you so that you can feel blessed and loved today.  Go into the new year with new hope and peace.  Resolve to meet Jesus’ expectations for you this year.  Focus on Him and make your relationship with Him the number 1 priority for you this year.  

Scripture to Claim:
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.  1 Peter 2:21

Devotional Archive