Bridge to a New Beginning or to Disaster?

The events and attitudes that precede a new beginning often determine its success. Yearning for a new beginning may be prompted by someone’s unhappiness, boredom, or discontent. An exception was Moses. God intervened in his life when a new beginning wasn’t even contemplated. Another exception was the Pharaoh of Egypt, who was content using the Hebrew slaves for his construction projects.

The Egyptians would have to experience ten consecutive disasters to be convinced God meant business about freeing his people. The tenth disaster struck so hard and was so personal to all the Egyptians that compliance to God's plan appeared to be their only choice.

Pharaoh's stubbornness built a bridge to these disasters which eventually caused the death of the Egyptians’ firstborn sons. It can be difficult to trust the future completely into God's care. Even though transitions aren’t easy, God will provide whatever is required to make sure his plan for us is comprehended and brought to fruition.

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Let everyone in all the would – men, women, and children – fear the Lord and stand in awe of him. For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command! And with a breath he can scatter the plans of al the nations who oppose him, but his own plan stands forever. His intentions are the same for every generation.

~Psalm 33:8-11 The Living Bible

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Activating a New Vision

The opportunity for a new beginning surfaces occasionally, but being prepared for it is a different matter. The Hebrew people pleaded with God to free them from the slavery they’d endured for centuries. However, preparation for the freedom God intended involved more than they had imagined.

In every opportunity it’s the unexpected problems that become a hindrance to success. Complications can originate from without or from within, and they can be real or imagined. Pharoah hardened his heart against the Hebrew people as well as God’s plan because these people provided labor for building what his architects had designed. Pharaoh believed his power exceeded God’s plan and purpose.

The Lord makes it possible to leave behind what no longer fits into his plan for us. He gives us faith to activate a new vision as we become receptive to his guidance and provision. Ask God to prepare you for whatever each new day may present. He will never ask you to do what’s impossible.

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When there’s no vision, the people get out of control, but whoever obeys instruction is happy.

~Proverbs 29:18 Common English Bible

 It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.

~Ephesians 1:11-12 The Message

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The Impact of a New Beginning

When I was in military boot camp, the Drill Sargent’s task was to transform green recruits into disciplined soldiers within a short time frame. This was a new beginning for me that impacted my character and future choices. When God chose to give a new beginning to the Hebrew people in Egypt, he had to create in them a mentality for freedom with choices.

When Moses told Pharaoh to free the Hebrew people, he retorted, “I will not do it!" However, God brought hardships and troubles to Pharaoh, ensuring his will would be honored. Hardships can play a part in helping a person believe in God's deliverance and mercy.

Transformation for the Hebrews included believing they belonged to God and not to Pharaoh, nor to themselves. They belonged to God, and so do you, as 1 Peter 2:9 affirms: "You are God’s own people chosen to proclaim his wonderful acts. He called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." You can believe and trust in this wonderful choice.

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But all of us who are Christians…reflect like mirrors the glory of the Lord. We are transformed in ever-increasing splendor into his own image, and this is the work of the Lord who is the Spirit.

~2 Corinthians 3:18 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

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God Will Redeem in Stages

Thinking about making a new beginning can be fun, especially when the future looks encouraging. An exception was God’s conversation with Moses to convince him to spearhead the rescue of the Hebrew people from Egypt. Moses initially rejected the proposal, but then agreed to do it after being convinced God's intervention would ensure success.

Moses' intuition was correct. When he demanded Pharaoh let the people go, he was met with defiance. Pharaoh hardened his heart and made the Hebrew people’s suffering more severe. This angered Moses and he complained to God, "Why have you brought more suffering on your people? You have not rescued them as you promised."

All people will experience situations where they question God's judgment, but his purpose is to reveal himself in convincing ways. A person may withhold full commitment to him, so God has to redeem the person in stages. Christ Jesus waits for you to submit yourself to him completely. If you haven't done this, why not do it now?

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By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back from living by your righteous order. Everything’s falling apart on me, God; put me together again with your Word.

~Psalm 119:105-107 The Message 

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God Helps Us Endure

There are times when the excitement of a new beginning will blur disappointments that accompany a new adventure. The majority of pioneers starting out from Missouri in the 1840s for Oregon could not imagine the hardships they would suffer.

Moses had strong reservations about leading the Hebrew people out of Egypt. He refused God’s inference that he was the only one skilled enough for the job. In fact, the Pharaoh rejected every attempt by Moses to convince him to free the Hebrew people. They were his source for cheap labor.

With every demand Moses made, the Pharaoh increased the people’s workload, intensifying their anger toward Moses. Listen to their accusations: "You have made us a stench to the Pharaoh and have put a sword in his official’s hand to kill us." God’s people will endure hardships in their journey with Christ Jesus, but God never defaults on his pledge to help you endure. Jesus promised, “Blessed are those who endure for they shall be saved.” This is God’s pledge to you.

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God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of  life that God has promised to those who love him.

~James 1:12 New Living Translation

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Breaking Out of Self-imposed Confinement

Becoming adapted to a specific lifestyle is normal for most people. Each person’s standards for living are set by late adolescence. There are special characteristics linked to a lifestyle that become so entrenched it takes a major crisis for change to take place.

As Christians, we should reject a lifestyle that’s rooted in antagonism and hatred because these emotions influence every major decision we make. Antagonism and hatred can leave us isolated and alone. Our focus should be on trusting the Lord Jesus to fulfill our needs based on his wisdom and kindness.

When Moses realized the distressed condition of the Hebrew people, he reacted impulsively, and out of fear he consequently confined himself to a self-imposed isolation for decades. God waited for Moses to mature so he could respond to the special calling God planned for him. If hatred has been a stumbling block for you, why not surrender it to Christ Jesus right now.  

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Each of you should go on living according to the Lord’s gift to you, and as you were when God called you.  

~1 Corinthians 7:17 Good News Bible

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Bad Choices and God's Redeeming Love

Periodically, our contentment is interrupted by unforeseen events that disrupt our peace of mind. Bad choices create unhappiness, so no one gets to pass through life free of hardships. For generations the Hebrew people living in Egypt had enjoyed prosperity, but then politics and power ended their peace and security.

Hardships can be invited into your life through self-imposed habits and a reckless lifestyle. Moses became a fugitive after killing an Egyptian and exiling himself in the desert of Median. His desert confinement severely limited the gifts and talents he had developed as a royal prince in the palace of the Pharaoh.

God decided that Moses had matured after his forty-year exile. He could now begin the work God planned for him. Moses would have concurred with the psalmist, "With love you embrace me, with honor you ennoble me, and with power you uphold me." These words are for you as you open your heart to God’s redeeming love.  

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But even so, you love me! You are holding my right hand! You will keep on guiding me all my life with your wisdom and counsel; and afterwards receive me into the glories of heaven! Whom have I in heaven but you? And I desire no one on earth as much as you!

~Psalm 73:23-25 The Living Bible

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The Possibility of a New Beginning

Each phase of adult development holds within it the potential for change and growth or for stagnation and unhappiness. Motivation for a new beginning may hinge on unhappiness caused by stagnation or just the challenge to change one’s circumstances. So the desire for a new beginning can derive from either a positive or negative mindset.

Dissatisfaction equals unhappiness, which makes the potential for new beginnings more attractive. This was especially true for the Hebrew people in Egypt, whose presence there had changed from being honored guests to enduring unbearable slavery. In this position they persistently pleaded with God for deliverance.

God enlisted Moses, who was hiding in the desert of Median as a fugitive from Egyptian justice. However, he was still a prisoner of his own fear that stifled his gifts and talents. God promised the Hebrew people and Moses: “I will rescue you and set you free.” You can be freed today from sin or from whatever has imprisoned you by accepting God’s gift of salvation. 

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Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

~John 8:31-32 New Living Translation 

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Choose God's Narrow Pathway

Where feelings of inadequacy exist, it's quite natural to believe someone else is better suited for a given task. Moses was convinced of this when God set out to recruit him to tell the Hebrew slaves in Egypt that the Lord God had heard their cries and planned to free them. Moses used every imaginable argument to resist taking the job.

Moses stood at a crossroads, and his choice would determine if he continued to live in obscurity or take a job that would be discussed for the duration of history. Robert Frost's poem relates a similar choice: "Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference."

Jesus also spoke of two roads. One was broad and easy but led to destruction. The other was narrow and few would choose it, but it would lead to life. The road Moses finally chose was filled with hardships and demanded sacrifice, but God's reward would overshadow the price paid to follow the path the Lord laid out for him.

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We should make plans – counting on God to direct us.

~Proverbs 16:9 The Living Bible

 

For God himself has said, “I will never fail you, I will never forsake you.” So we can confidently say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can men do to me?”

~Hebrews 13:5-6 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

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God's Adequacy – Greater Than Our Inadequacy

While it's impossible to travel back in time to relive the past, opportunities for new beginnings do occasionally occur. When the chance to start over seems possible, most individuals are seldom ready to let go of the familiar. Hesitation and second thoughts often accompany most future changes.

This is what Moses experienced when God called him to lead the Hebrew people out of Egypt. The changes he faced were so out of sight, he felt completely inadequate for the task. Anxiety and fear prevented him from initially accepting God’s promise of success in this grand scheme to free the Hebrew people.

When a task appears beyond accomplishing, a natural response is to make excuses for your inadequacies. Moses quickly reminded God he was not adequate for the task and needed assurance of his presence to help and guide. If God is nudging you to make needed changes, his presence and power will secure your success.

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God told me, “My love is enough for you. When you are weak, My power is doing its best work.” So I’ll delight rather to feel proud of my weaknesses in order to have Christ’s power rest on me.”

~2 Corinthians 12:9 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today

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Choosing the Right Path

 When I was in college and home for the holidays, my dad and I visited a farmer who was selling some livestock. After negotiations were settled and we were enjoying coffee, the conversation turned personal. With tear-filled eyes, the farmer related how he, as a young adult, believed God meant for him to be a minister, but he had refused God’s call and remained on the family farm.

Everyone decides which path they should follow in life. Every choice requires some significant sacrifice. Moses would have to renounce a secure shepherd’s life before experiencing the future God planned for him. He offered numerous excuses for remaining a shepherd.

One was, "I have never been a good speaker, and nothing has changed since you, God, have been speaking to me from this burning bush."  God responded, "I will be with you to inspire your words.” Caution is normal when the future cannot be known, but remember this: God's adequacy is greater than your feelings of inadequacy.

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The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in each step they take. If they fall, it isn’t fatal, for the Lord holds them with his hand.

~Psalm 37:23-24 The Living Bible

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Anticipate Success, Not Failure

Facing a new beginning can create anxiety and even fear. Fear is often caused by what is anticipated. The phrase "what if” magnifies negative possibilities. A farmer who was having a difficult time making a living was offered a job in a nearby city, but the "what ifs" began to erode his confidence.

“What if I can't live up to the job’s expectations? What if my wife and children do not like the city and schools?” Moses used "what if" as an excuse when responding to God’s call to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt. Fulfilling God's purpose brings great satisfaction, but often at the cost of a significant sacrifice.

What is God asking of you at this moment that causes you to be anxious or fearful? Concentrate on God’s promise and keep this at the forefront of your thinking and feelings. Jesus promised, "I'll be with you and never forsake you." Let his promise give you courage and hope to press onward with confidence to successfully fulfill God’s purpose.  

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Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

~Joshua 1:8-9 New International Version

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Fool-proof Formula for Defeating Anxiety

With every change and new beginning, doubt will at some point become an issue that produces hesitation. A young woman gave up her career to be a stay-at-home mom. After her youngest began school, she was given the opportunity to attend graduate school. However, when it was time to register, doubt and anxiety became overwhelming.

When God enlisted Moses to lead the Hebrew people out of Egypt, feelings of inadequacy overpowered him. Excuses which represent fear of failure when making a great change cannot be avoided. God promised Moses, "I'll be with you. Tell them the ‘Great I Am’ has sent you." God’s name represents his unchanging character and power.

God offered Moses this promise: "You will be able to show my miracles to the people." God gave Moses a concrete promise of how he, an ordinary person, could demonstrate God’s power and purpose. If you’re facing the challenge of a new beginning, trust God’s promise of his presence for confidence and faith to press on.  

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Be determined and confident…The Lord himself will lead you and be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you, so do not lose courage or be afraid.

~Deuteronomy 31:7-8 Good News Bible

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