God’s Got a Fresh Start for You

By Rick Warren

Every fresh start begins with one realization: Only God can make them happen by the power of his Spirit at work in our lives.

If you’re hoping for a fresh start this year, here’s the good news: God specializes in fresh starts. In fact, God gave his people, the Israelites, many fresh starts in life. Hosea 14:5 says, “I will make a fresh start with Israel. He’ll burst into bloom like a crocus in the spring” (The Message).

After a cold and dark season, God promised his people they would blossom like spring flowers. And God can do the same for you!

So how do you need your life to change? In what part of your life do you feel powerless to change?

One way to take your first step toward a fresh start is to take a personal inventory by asking yourself these three questions: 

What are my assets? Look at your God-given SHAPE—your Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences. Then look at your physical, educational, financial, and spiritual assets as a child of God. Colossians 2:10 says, “You have everything when you have Christ” (TLB).

What have I learned? Think about everything you’ve learned about yourself, your family, your career, and your relationship with God. Write it all down, especially the painful lessons. Why? Because God never wastes a hurt. Galatians 3:4 says, “Did all your experience mean nothing at all? Surely it meant something!” (GNT).

Who could help me? One of the most common reasons people stay stuck in life and fail to reach their dreams is because they’re too proud to ask for advice. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail; take good counsel and watch them succeed” (The Message).

So today I want to challenge you to take a personal inventory by asking yourself those three questions as you start this new year and consider how God can use what you already have for Kingdom purposes.

Then, draw near to the Lord and ask for his help to start fresh where you need to do so. And, if the fresh start you’re looking for is in your relationship with God, here’s an incredible promise for the year ahead: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8 NKJV).