THE BLESSING OF STARTING OVER (PART 2)

November 18, 2024
By Dr Freda Folabi Solomons

TEXT: Ruth 1: 14-19 (NKJV)

¹⁷“¹⁴Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. ¹⁵And she said, “Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” ¹⁶But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. ¹⁷Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.” ¹⁸When she saw that she ^[^f^]was determined to go with her, she stopped speaking to her. ¹⁹Now the two of them went until they came to Bethlehem. And it happened, when they had come to Bethlehem, that all the city was excited because of them; and the women said, “Is this Naomi?”

Throughout Scripture, we see countless examples of starting over. Take, for instance, the story of Ruth. After losing her father-in-law, husband, and brother-in-law, she was willing to embrace a second chance at life to fulfil her purpose. God didn’t abandon her; instead, He provided a way for Ruth to start afresh, this time not as a Gentile but embracing the one true God, even leading her to a marriage that brought her into the messianic line. This reminds us that God specializes in new beginnings.

I am discovering daily that life encompasses numerous phases, and we must also learn to navigate transitions. While “transition” may sound pleasant, it often entails a challenging process fraught with chaos. No new beginning arises without the tumult of past experiences; the Israelites serve as a prime example of this truth. Their time in the wilderness was far from enjoyable or palatable, yet it ultimately led them to the promised land.

Practical Steps for Starting Over

Seek God in Prayer: Before embarking on a new chapter, spend time in prayer. Ask God for guidance, clarity, and strength.

Reflect on the Past: Take time to understand what led to the need for a fresh start. Acknowledge your experiences, learn from them, and allow God to heal your heart.

Set New Goals: With God’s help, set realistic and prayerful goals for your new beginning. Whether they’re spiritual, professional, or personal, these goals can provide direction.

Embracing Grace: Starting over is an act of grace. It allows us to step away from our failures and to recognise that God’s love is not contingent upon our past. In Ephesians 2:8–9, we are reminded that it is by grace we have been saved, not by our works. This grace extends to every aspect of our lives, inviting us to embrace the possibility of new beginnings, and just like Paul, the grace of God is also sufficient for us.

Grow Through Challenges: Challenges often serve as catalysts for new beginnings, compelling us to reassess our lives, values, and priorities. Starting anew frequently accompanies difficulties, yet these trials can deepen our faith and resilience. A quintessential example is Job, who lost everything in a single day. His suffering led him to an intimate encounter with God, culminating in his acknowledgement in Job 42:5 (MSG): “I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand from my own eyes and ears.” Job must have heard from his forebearers about the mighty God who liberated His people from bondage and fulfilled His promises—a foundation that undoubtedly shaped Job’s exemplary life before God.

However, there is something transformative about having a personal encounter with God; knowing, seeing, and hearing Him for oneself is a humbling experience. Our God is always eager to reveal Himself to humanity. Sometimes, He allows certain challenges to draw us back to Him. There is a saying that God will test you to trust you. Trials fortify us and help us recalibrate—not to destroy us, but to build us up.

Find a Community: Starting over doesn’t have to be a solitary journey. The Christian community and small Christian groups are called to support one another through transitions. Galatians 6:2 (NKJV) encourages us to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” When we share our struggles and triumphs with others, we find encouragement and accountability, which can be vital as we navigate new beginnings.

Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate small victories along your journey. This practice cultivates gratitude and keeps you motivated. Before embarking on a fresh start, it’s common to experience a profound sense of disappointment, which can weigh heavily on one’s spirit. The Bible reminds us, “A broken spirit, who can bear?” Consequently, feelings of depression may become unavoidable.

Bringing yourself to the point of starting anew is, in itself, a remarkable achievement, and it’s essential to be gentle with yourself during this process. When I began to receive healing from God years ago in my battle against depression, I celebrated even the simple act of making my bed. For over five years, this small triumph has remained significant to me; there’s a certain joy in seeing my bed beautifully arranged, especially after a tasking day. It provides a refreshing sense of comfort that I truly cherish.

Lastly, our practical questions below are to guide and guard us as we navigate through our new beginning

How can I seek God? How can I incorporate prayer and reflection to invite God into my decision-making process?

Who is/are my support system(s)? Who can I turn to for encouragement and accountability as I navigate this change?
How can I take care of myself? What self-care practices can I implement to ensure my well-being during this transition?
What fears do I have about starting over? What uncertainties or doubts might hold me back, and how can I address them?
How will I measure my progress? What indicators or measures will show me that I’m moving in the right direction, and how can I celebrate small victories?

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I ask that as we navigate life transitions, help us remember that every new chapter holds the promise of hope, healing, and transformation. Help us to embrace the journey ahead, trusting that you will walk with us, guiding us into a brighter future in Jesus’ name. Amen