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What is a fresh start? One way it can be defined is to start something again in a completely new and different way after being unsuccessful. It can also be defined as to start a new life, or an opportunity to start over without prejudice.
Circumstances may change, people may change, and even situations may change in your life; but God always offers you a new beginning—a fresh start. We see this in the story of Zacchaeusthe tax collector in Luke 19:1-10. Zacchaeus may have thought he was successful in his old manipulating eyes; but when he had an encounter with Jesus, his life would never be the same.
Luke 19:9 (NIV), Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.” Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector, was cheating people out of their money and had become very wealthy. His heart was changed so much that he wanted to give half of his possessions to the poor, and pay back those he had cheated four times the amount. This touched Jesus deeply. He gave Zacchaeus the ultimate fresh start—Salvation!
Isaiah 43:19 (NIV), “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV), Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
We also see God giving a fresh start to Ruth, a widow woman with nowhere to go, and boom—a fresh start! Then we have David, a mere shepherd boy who was eventually anointed king. We also have Moses, Rahab, and Saul, just to name a few.
No matter how bad you think things are, how lonely and sad you may be, take comfort in knowing that we have a Savior who can give us a brand-new life and a fresh start. All we must do is believe in Him, confess our sins and short comings, and ask Him to allow us to have not only a fresh start but a fresh start through Him.
Has God ever given you a fresh start? I must admit He has been so gracious when it comes to myself and second, third, and fourth chances at starting afresh. I remember a time when I thought my life would never be more than just going to work, paying bills, and struggling—no life outside of those things. I was at the point of disappointment, sadness, and eventually complacency, until I invited Jesus into my world and He began to shake things up. I suddenly got a desire to want to do more in my Christian life and then my personal life. I started attending church events outside of the normal Sunday morning services, started more on-the-job training to advance my position and salary, and wow—what a fresh start invaded my territory.
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
—Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)
Are you in need of a fresh start? Do you want Jesus to show up and turn your whole life into something brand new? Don’t get discouraged over mistakes, falling short, bad experiences, and your past sins. You too can have this wonderful fresh start.
And do you know why? It is because of what Jesus did for us on the cross at Calvary that all of us, sinners and all, have access to a fresh, brand new, happy life. Take comfort in that today and may God bless you all.
Raynette McMillion
Raynette McMillion holds a bachelor’s degree in English and has studied Theology at Houston Baptist University. She currently works with Mentor Alliance of Tyler as a Mentor, which she absolutely loves. Raynette has been with her current employer for almost 17 years and holds the role as Transportation Manager. She has completed independent studies with the Womenary programs online and loves every study that she has come across. Raynette loves digging deep into God’s word and encouraging others to do the same. She enjoys traveling, reading, spending time with her family, cooking, and teaching the word to others. She wants to use every gift that God has given her to glorify his name. 
