Don't Sabotage New Beginnings

Everyone is capable of misjudging a person. A young man dropped out of college to go into business and was extremely successful. He married a woman whose family earned college and graduate degrees. His success provided wealth, yet he felt less than his in-laws, whom he thought valued education above wealth.

The Israelites misjudged God's patience when they created a golden calf to worship. Can you imagine how Moses felt when he saw the people singing and dancing in front of the golden calf? Moses burned with so much anger that he threw the tablets on the ground, breaking them into pieces.

He had misjudged their faith and commitment to God and to him.  They misjudged God's patience and the extent to which they could go before tragedy would strike them down. However, Moses pleaded with God to withhold his anger and not destroy them. Some misjudgments can sabotage a new beginning, but with courage and a renewed faith in Christ Jesus, a new start is possible for you. 

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This being so, I want to remind you to stir into flame the strength and boldness that is in you, that entered into you when I laid my hands upon your head and blessed you. For the Holy Spirit, God’s gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them enjoy being with them.

~2 Timothy 1:6-7 The Living Bible

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Misjudging God

 When the Israelites left Egypt for the Promised Land, they willingly gave up slavery for freedom. However, they failed to realize how difficult and demanding freedom would be. They misjudged what was required to live by faith in the God who had demonstrated his awesome power against the Egyptians.

They also misjudged God’s tolerance for their disobedience and their bent toward worshiping idols like the golden calf they had constructed while Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. Each of us is capable of constructing a golden calf in one form or another, like beauty, clothes, a house, or an automobile.

Misjudgments will happen, but as you recognize your lapse in judgment, there is hope for new beginnings. Most misjudgments cannot be retracted, yet God gives you courage to face the consequences and provides opportunities for wiser choices. As you realize the extent of God’s grace, you should feel encouraged to love him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. 

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[O Lord,] when my thoughts were bitter and my feelings were hurt, I was as stupid as an animal; I did not understand you. Yet, I always stay close to you, and you hold me aby the hand. You guide me with your instruction and at the end you will receive me with honor.

~Psalm 73:21-24 Good News Bible

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Errors in Judgment? Corrections Are Possible

Whenever a new beginning is embarked upon, fine-tuning objectives are often required to safeguard success. While it's impossible to predict every obstacle that interferes with reaching an objective, being prepared can prevent setbacks or even failure. Errors in judgment will at some point have to be faced.

When Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments from God, the people waiting for him grew restless and persuaded Aaron, Moses' brother, to make a golden calf for them to worship. They wanted a god with a face to take the place of the invisible God who had delivered them from Egyptian slavery.

The Israelites discovered that faulty judgments can be costly, but if seen as a learning experience, they can be a guide for future decisions. While some judgment calls cannot be revoked, corrections are possible with God’s help and guidance. His mercy and grace are greater than all your sin. God is quick to forgive when you turn to him and away from sin.  

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If you want to know what God wants to know, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it.  

~James 1:5 The Living Bible

 But if we freely admit that we have sinned, we find him reliable and just – he forgives our sins and makes us thoroughly clean from all that is evil.

~1 John 1:9 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

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Demonstrate Readiness to Begin Anew

Human nature is designed for change, which implies growth and maturity. The Hebrew people are often referred to as God's children because they were like children upon leaving Egypt for the Promised Land. At Mount Sinai God made a covenant with them to be their God as they agreed to be his people.

They were to demonstrate their readiness to be his people by taking a bath and washing their clothes. By this act of physical and spiritual consecration, they demonstrated their readiness to personally meet the Lord God. When there is true conversion, a person dedicates body, mind, and soul to Christ Jesus.

What the Hebrew people experienced at Mount Sinai is compared to a baby’s first step. Like most Christians today, they experienced setbacks as faithful servants of God. When God begins a new work in those who choose Jesus as Lord and Savior, he will see it through to completion. You can have confidence in God’s unending love for you.  

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When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun! All these new things are from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ Jesus did.  

~2 Corinthians 5:17-18 The Living Bible

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When We're Met with Mountainous Obstacles

It took the Israelites three months to travel from Egypt to Mount Sinai, where God gave them the Ten Commandments. By taking the main road to the Promised Land, they could have walked that distance and back again in the same time frame. God's plans are often in contrast to what we consider logical and practical.

The Hebrew people had to be educated on how to be God's people. When they chose freedom over slavery, they unexpectedly encountered mountainous obstacles that were more than discouraging. At Mount Sinai, God gave them a set of laws that became the foundation for building a nation as God’s chosen people.

New beginnings will include the potential for unexpected challenges that take you beyond the initial goals of the adventure. It's important that you acknowledge that God’s desire is to reveal himself in order to refine his purpose and will for you. For this blessing, praise God for his wonderful grace that includes the gift of his favor as revealed in Christ Jesus.  

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I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

~Psalm 121:1-2 The Message 

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Accepting Help for Changes

Unexpected changes can be either beneficial or burdensome, depending on how situations are perceived. When Moses’ father-in-law came for a visit, he observed a situation in need of change. Moses was spending an inordinate amount of time mediating disputes that arise when people live together.

These disputes had become such a distraction that he was neglecting other important work. Moses’ father-in-law gave him advice that has served as a model for settling civil disputes. Moses accepted that there were qualified others who could mediate these disputes. He learned the importance of delegating work and authority to others.

The message for us is that there are others who can give us wisdom and advice for making changes and managing our problems. Listen to Proverbs 2:6, which reminds us of another source for change: "It is the Lord God who gives wisdom. His every word is a treasure of knowledge and understanding.” Our unchanging God provides guidance to us for making needed changes.  

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In the beginning, Lord, you laid the earth’s foundation and created the heavens. They will all disappear and wear out like clothes. You change them, as you would a coat, but you last forever. You are always the same. Years cannot change you.

~Psalm 102:25-27 Contemporary English Version

 

See how I love your instructions, Lord. Your love never changes, so save me! The heart of your law is truth, and all your righteous judgments are eternal.

~Psalm 119:159-160 Good News Bible 

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Trading Old Habits for God's New Way of Life

For some new believers in Jesus Christ, old habits from a previous lifestyle can remain appealing. What is not often understood is that new habits such as reading the Bible, worshiping God, and making new friends must be formed and nurtured daily.

The Israelites refused to believe that God was aware of their troubles as they made their way to the Promised Land. They began to regress to behaviors they had learned from the Egyptians. This regression proved to be painful with severe consequences.

It's impossible to escape the stress and strife that visit each person’s life. However, Christians can face problems with confidence because God never abandons his people regardless of the way stress is defined or of its source. Jesus gives us this invitation: "Come unto me all of you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me and you will find rest for your soul."  Never give up when troubles abound, for God loves you and will send help.  

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I waited patiently for God to help me; then he listened and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out from the bog and the mire, and set my feet on a hard, firm path and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, of praises to our God. Now many will hear of the glorious things he did for me, and stand in awe before the Lord, and put their trust in him.

~Psalm 40:1-3 The Living Bible

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How Difficulties and Hardships Build Faith and Trust

We're often astonished by surprises that seem to be a part of every new adventure. College freshmen are often amazed at how different a university setting is compared to high school. By the end of the first semester some students will not be invited back due to failing grades and failure to attend class.

The Israelites were astonished by the problems they encountered after leaving Egypt for the Promised Land. Following each setback, they became more disillusioned with God’s promise for a bright future. They longed for Egypt, where their basic needs always had been met. Complaining and blaming did not build a pathway to faith and confidence.

God permits each believer to experience difficulties and hardships as a means for building faith and trust in him to provide needed help. Present your problems to the Lord, and do so with thanksgiving and praise for what he has done and will continue to do. Expect that he will follow through with good and appropriate solutions.

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Who, then, can separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble do it, or hardship or persecution or hunger or poverty or danger or death?...No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us!

~Romans 8:35,37 Good News Bible

 

With all my heart, I am waiting, Lord, for you! I trust your promises…Trust the Lord! He is always merciful, and he has the power to save you.  

~Psalm 130:5,7 Contemporary English Version

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Search for Solutions – Don't Complain and Blame

Every new beginning has within it the potential for fulfilling a dream that provides energy to launch out as the first stage. This initial phase of a process is not unlike what is experienced by couples who have funds to build their dream home. Predictably, problems will surface that have to be solved at several stages along the way.

Getting back on track after confronting major problems takes effort and determination. Problem solving involves rearranging priorities. It's not surprising that newly-weds underestimate the adjustments that must be made to live together peacefully. The good news is, most couples make the transition.

The Israelites followed a pattern of complaining and blaming Moses for their problems. They refused to look within themselves for solutions. Complaining and blaming seldom lead to insight and solutions. Seek wisdom and help from trusted friends or a professional. Finally, believe God knows what you’re facing and go to him in prayer, asking for help and guidance. He will send help.

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Be one in thought and in love, live in harmony, keep one purpose in mind. Don’t be selfish or proud, but humbly treat others as better than yourselves. Each of you, be interested not only in your own things but also in those of others.

~Philippians 2:2-4 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today  

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Believe God's Promises – Move Forward

While I was serving in the military just after high school, I realized I needed a college education. I was ready to make this new beginning but discovered there were complications that had to be confronted. When the Israelites were confronted with what seemed impossible to overcome, fear overtook them.

In that critical moment God said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Command these people to start moving.” Before God performed what was an astounding miracle, the Israelites had to start moving toward what seemed like an immoveable barrier, but only then was God willing to intervene and save them.

Moses believed God's promise and set an example of faith for the fearful Hebrews. Moses was fearful, but he went forward and did as God instructed even though the obstacles seemed impossible. If it's time for you to move forward, God will empower you to move toward your objective. “For God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of love, power and self-control.”

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But the Lord says, “Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago. Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already – you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there.”

~Isaiah 43:18-19 Good News Bible

 

So I do concentrate on this: I forget all that lies behind me and with hands outstretched to whatever lies ahead, I go straight for the goal – my reward the honor of my high calling by God in Christ Jesus.

~Philippians 3:13-14 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

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Be Still and See What God Will Do

One mistake people make when undertaking a new beginning is failing to realize possible obstacles that will be encountered on the way to success. The newly freed Hebrew slaves from Egypt appeared to be naive about what lay in store for them as they approached the border of Egypt and freedom.

Upon encountering the hard realities of the desert, they blamed Moses for their troubles. "Did you bring us out of Egypt to let us die here?”  Fear is normal when facing danger, but fear can stifle confidence. Ben Jonson wrote in 1598 that  "There is no greater hell than to be a prisoner of fear.”

God’s way is not easy, but he never abandons his people when difficult times show up. Listen to Moses’ message to the Hebrew people and us: "Don't be afraid, stand still and you will see the Lord save you. Remain calm and the Lord will fight for you."  Are these words relevant for what you’re facing today?

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Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their evil schemes.

~Psalm 37:7 New Living Translation

 

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.

~Psalm 62:5 New International Version

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When Hope Is Fragile

Hope for a new beginning revives the heart and spirit because it fires up hope for the future. When the economy slows down it's difficult to remain optimistic, but when signs of recovery surface, a revival of hope can follow suit. Revival indicates the emergence of new energy that displaces an attitude of complacency.

An attitude of complacency prevailed among the Hebrew slaves until Moses brought them a message of hope for freedom. Their hearts were revived, but hope remained fragile. Being too optimistic can be hazardous if it prevents preparation for obstacles. Fantasies about the future can crash against reality.

The Hebrew slaves vacillated between hope and fear as they were confronted with obstacles. Moses, however, remained hopeful, for he had witnessed the determination of the Lord God to free His people. Moses believed God was the only source for deliverance. Fear and doubt lose their power as you keep your eyes fixed on Christ Jesus.

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[Let us have] our eyes fixed on Jesus, the source and the goal of our faith. For he himself endured a cross and thought nothing of its shame because of the joy he knew would follow his suffering; and he is now seated at the right hand of God’s throne. Think constantly of him enduring all that sinful men could say against him, and you will not lose your purpose or your courage.  

~Hebrews 12:2-3 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

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God's "Attitude Changers"

The Great Depression that crashed America’s economy in 1929 changed forever the attitude that “what exists today will last indefinitely.” The ten plagues that struck Egypt were also an “attitude changer.” The plagues demonstrated to Pharaoh and the Hebrew people the extent to which God would go to free his people.

The Israelites yearned for deliverance but were unaware of the hardships and temptations that lay ahead on their journey to God’s Promised Land. The Pharaoh would have to be convinced he was neither a god nor all-powerful and was no match for Jehovah God. It was up to him to choose whether to be blessed or cursed.

Pharaoh swayed back and forth in being convinced of God’s power and resolve to free his people. He would agree but then change his mind. Stubbornness in resisting God's plan and purpose may result in hardships or even disaster. On the other hand, compliance with God's will and plan creates a sense of security and peace of mind that endures.

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[The Lord says,] “I will instruct you. I will lead you the way that you should go. I will advise you as my eyes watch over you. Don’t be stubborn like a horse or a mule. [They need] a bit and bridle in their mouth to restrain them or they will not come near you.”

~Psalm 32:8-9 God’s Word Translation 

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