Genesis is the book of beginnings. The heavens and the earth, the sun, moon, and stars, fish and animals, and of course humankind all begin with God’s verbal command.
God continues with beginnings in our lives today. Some of us may begin with new careers, relationships, marriages or children. Other may begin with a new diagnosis or start medical treatments. And still others may begin again after the death of a loved one.
Everything Has A Beginning
Beginning—the promise of leaving something behind and facing a brighter tomorrow—brings hope; but not without challenges. In Genesis 1:2, “The earth was without form and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep,” (NKJV). This beginning wasn’t without its challenges. There was disorder, not the breathtaking beauty that would result from a finished work.
For us, traversing a new terrain means facing an uncertain future or traveling along an uncharted path. It’s enough to give anyone pause. Perhaps it’s better to just remain the same. But to do so means growth may be stunted or new adventures lie unrealized. Healings, discoveries, and solutions to life’s dilemmas may be in the brave act of beginning again.
Some folks are afraid of being heartbroken, so they avoid the risk of new relationships. Others fear the unknown, so they won’t fly on an airplane or venture beyond their comfort zone. And still others doubt their capacity to cope with troubling news, so they avoid going to the doctor or having an annual checkup. Fear is stifling. Fear chokes possibilities. Fear puts an anchor into the present so that nothing moves forward.
A God of New Beginnings
God is a God of new beginnings. He wants us to embrace life with the full confidence that He is with us. Even in our despair and disappointment, or in the rocky rough start of something new, God is there. He urges us to shake off fear and press forward. Try! Try something new! Try again!
How to begin with the new? Perhaps take a small step of eating at a new restaurant, or experimenting with a new food. Or sit in a new seat at church. Take courage and have the new treatment or surgery. You may find the relief you’ve been praying for. Just as still water becomes stagnant, smelly, and useless, so, too, is remaining the same and never trying anything new.
“Let there be light,” (Genesis 1:3). We have this assurance that God will light the way as we move forward in faith! He will guide us through the power of the Holy Spirit who will lead us into all truth. Creator God has a promise in store for us. We need only leave fear behind and take a giant step of faith.
Behold, I will do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19)
