Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. 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 43:18–19 NKJV

Indeed, the words of Isaiah 43:18-19 speak of hope and the promise of a new beginning.

As Pastor spoke on Sunday of being made new, I began to wonder— where would we be if God was not willing to grant us a new beginning? A chance to start over? Where would we be? I believe we would never even exist. God could have wiped mankind out from the very beginning with Adam and Eve. After they disobeyed and ate from the forbidden tree, God could have ended humanity right then. But His mercy and grace were extended — granting them a new beginning.

In Genesis 6, the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great, and that every intent of his thoughts was only evil continually. God was grieved in His heart and said He would destroy man.

But — thank God for the “however.” There was one man — Noah — who found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Because of that grace, God spared Noah and his family — another new beginning.

Things have not gotten better. The heart of man is still evil continually. Just as in the days of Noah, people today carry on as usual, unaware of the coming judgment. But when the Lord returns, there will be no more opportunities to start over. Now is the acceptable time. Now is the time to repent.

In Exodus 32, Israel crafted and worshiped a golden calf. God told Moses to step aside so He could destroy Israel and start over with him. But Moses pleaded for mercy, and God relented — again, a new beginning.

But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him.

Psalm 103:17 KJV

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV

New beginnings are realized through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Even after salvation, we still sin — but we do not stay there. We can get up and continue on. We can start over.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9 KJV

Through repentance and forgiveness, we experience God’s mercy and grace — a new beginning.

For those who desire a new beginning, here are a few steps:

1. Repent — turn from sinful and disobedient ways.
2. Trust and obey the commandments of the Lord found in His Word.
3. Abide in Him, and He will abide in you.
4. Stay in communication with the Lord through prayer.

These steps lead us into a renewed walk — a fresh opportunity through God’s grace.

Deborah Ann Belker wrote, “A fresh new day is awaiting for you.” Oh, the mighty things Jesus wants to do — in and through each one of us!

A new beginning — starting over — is possible because of God’s mercy and His grace. Amen.

Father, we thank You for Your Word, because it reminds us that You extend mercy and grace to us each day — a new mercy. Who are we, O God, that You would extend it time and time again?

We are grateful — not just today or during this month of thanksgiving, but every day — for the brand-new mercies You extend to us.

Help us extend that same mercy and grace to others, that they may know Your forgiveness and love. Truly, Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.

Help us to hide it in our hearts so that we might not sin against You. Bless us as we move into prayer requests — You know every need.

Amen.