Introduction

HOW TO START FRESH: Preparing for the New Year

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

Section 1: The Desire for a Fresh Start

Do you desire a fresh start in your Christian life? Many of us have made mistakes and experienced setbacks and failures that have hindered us from fully enjoying the Christian life. But the good news is that God wants to give us a fresh start, a new beginning.

In John 10:10, Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." However, the Devil seeks to remind us of our past mistakes and failures, keeping us from experiencing the abundant life God has for us. But God says, "Forget about what has happened before. Do not dwell on the past. Instead, look at the new things I am going to do."

Just like Israel, who faced punishment for their sins and rebellion against God, we may feel discouraged and believe that our past mistakes have ruined our future with God. But God wants us to know that it's not over. He has plans for our lives, and He wants to do something new in us.

Section 2: The S.T.A.R.T Formula

To make a fresh start, we can follow the S.T.A.R.T formula:

S - Stop making excuses. We must take responsibility for our failures and stop blaming others. Proverbs 28:13 says, "Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy." By admitting our mistakes and seeking forgiveness, we can receive a fresh start.

T - Take an inventory of our lives. We need to evaluate our experiences and learn from them. Galatians 3:4 asks, "Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain?" Our experiences, both positive and negative, shape us. By reflecting on what we have learned and identifying our assets and support system, we can move forward.

A - Act in faith. We must step out in faith and take positive action to change our lives. Matthew 9:29 says, "According to your faith let it be done to you." Instead of dwelling on past failures, we should act in faith, trusting that God will guide us. We should not let fear paralyze us but move forward with confidence.

R - Refocus our thoughts. To change our lives, we need to change our thinking. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." We should replace negative thoughts with God's Word. By meditating on Scripture and filling our minds with God's truth, we can experience transformation.

T - Trust God. We must depend on God and trust Him to help us succeed. Zechariah 4:6 reminds us, "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord Almighty. We cannot change ourselves; only God can transform us. By surrendering control to Him and relying on His strength, we can have a fresh start.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice to have a fresh start in life is ours. We can choose to stop making excuses, take an inventory of our lives, act in faith, refocus our thoughts, and trust God. God specializes in new beginnings, and through Jesus Christ, we can experience a whole new life. As we enter this New Year, let us embrace the opportunity for a fresh start and allow God to do something new in us.

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