24 July | Youth
«Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.» Lamentations 3:22
Start over or give up? It all depends on your attitude and choice. Whenever we make a mistake, these two possibilities immediately appear before us. There is no third option. Unfortunately, many choose to give up. They ignore that, although starting over requires more faith, determination, and effort, it can be rewarding. Those who are not persistent will always think that giving up is preferable to starting over. On the other hand, those who have learned the path of starting over understand that giving up is nothing more than declaring defeat in advance.
Giving up is declaring your own defeat before the final whistle. It is true that we will not always win, but those who have a victorious spirit never abandon the game; they fight until the end. If you do not end up with the outcome you expected, you win because you maintained your courage and honor. Fighting until the end is the victorious way to face a setback.
In the Bible, we find some interesting examples of starting over. Adam had to start over after the problem of sin; Abraham started his life over again, leaving his comfort zone; Joseph had to start over after literally being at rock bottom; the Samaritan woman experienced a new beginning after six frustrated relationships; Peter started over after denying Jesus three times. These and other biblical examples show that new beginnings can be difficult, but they are truly rewarding.
Just as God’s mercy is renewed every day, we should also have attitudes of starting over. Why give up on family if forgiveness is a possibility? Why give up the Christian life if grace is a gift from Heaven? Why give up on salvation if Jesus has already paid the price? Why give up on living if Jesus has already died in our place? Why give up on dreaming if the future only belongs to God? Why give up fighting if victory is a reality in Christ? Do not give up. Always start over with God.