Can I Start Over? Series

“Can I Start Over?”

“Can I Start Over?” is a powerful question with Biblical answers. This message is one way to begin to start handling this question while promoting a turning to the Lord in repentance and prayer for support.

The Promise of New Creation

Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

In Christ Refers to being in union with Christ through the Holy Spirit; those who believe in Christ participate in His death and resurrection. And today, we who are “In Christ” continue to live out of His life. -Barry, John D. et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016. Print.

God is in the business of transformation. In Christ, we’re not only forgiven; we’re made new. Old mistakes, failures, and even identities are replaced with a new life and purpose. “Starting over” is God’s promise, not just a wishful thought.

• Illustration: Remodeling a house versus building new. Some might be tempted to ask why God doesn't just repaint, or fit up the trim, re hang the pictures and sweep up the mess… In Christ, God builds something entirely new in us, rather than just fixing up the old. He brings a new floor-plan giving life for new purposes. He brings a new nature in up. His way is much more than just fixing the curb appeal. He gives us a new address and zip code.

2. Letting Go of the Past

Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, (The Goal)

“What lies ahead” The goal Paul’s athletic imagery in these verses likely captured the attention of the Philippians, whose proximity to Greece exposed them to the Greek athletic games. For Paul, the ultimate goal is knowing Christ’s resurrection power and dwelling with Him in the age to come - Barry, John D. et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016. Print.

• Scripture: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

• Paul encourages believers to leave behind past mistakes and regrets. Letting go is essential to moving forward. While we often hold onto guilt or disappointment, God’s plan for us is focused on where we’re going, not where we’ve been. However, we must be willing to be lead away from our past and onto what lies ahead. You cannot hold on to and return to your past and rightly make the claim that “I have moved on.”

• Application: Think about areas in your lives where you have felt “stuck” due to your past choices. Surrender these areas and choices to God to press forward with confidence in Him who has overcome.

3. God’s New Things

Isaiah 43:19 “Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.

• Scripture: I like how the NIV translates this verse “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.”

• Key Idea: God delights in bringing life to barren places. Perhaps you find yourself doing a new thing today and are “trying God” today. He hasn’t really been on your radar but today, rest sure, you are on His and he docent want you do miss His call to you.

“Starting Over” with God often means trusting Him to lead us in ways we couldn’t imagine. He makes a way even in “wilderness” areas of our lives, where hope seems dried up or dreams feel lost.

4. Renewed Daily Lamentations 3:22-23

The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

• Key Idea: God’s mercies are not just a one-time offer but are available every single day. Each day offers a fresh start in God’s mercy. He is always ready to extend grace, no matter how many times we need it. But do not cheapen God’s Grace by embracing the sin that He bore for your sakes, while on the Cross.

• Application: Develop a daily practice of starting over each morning by surrendering their day to God. This could be a simple prayer or meditation acknowledging God’s mercy and asking for strength and guidance. However, I would advise against reciting a mindless and repetitious statement or declaration. Have a personal conversation. Heart to Heart.

5. God’s Strength, Not Ours Isaiah 40:31 Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.