The First Step to a Reset

by Rick Warren — March 23, 2023
From Resetting My Life

“Forget what happened before, and do not think about the past. Look at the new thing I am going to do. It is already happening. Don’t you see it?”

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NCV)

You are a product of your past. You have been shaped by the good and the bad things in your life. But you are not a prisoner of your past—you can be free!

That’s what Christianity is all about. Through Jesus Christ, you can be born again and start a new life. Jesus makes it possible for you to push the reset button and get a second chance.

Here’s what God says about your past: “Forget what happened before, and do not think about the past. Look at the new thing I am going to do. It is already happening. Don’t you see it?” (Isaiah 43:18-19 NCV).

God doesn’t want you constantly looking at the past. If you’re always looking in the rearview mirror, then you’re going to crash! The only way you can move forward is to focus on the present and look forward to the future.

The rest of your life is in the future, not in the past. Your past is past; it’s over. You can’t change it, so don’t dwell on it. Instead, start asking God to do something new in you.

Maybe you feel like nothing new is happening in your life right now. Do you know why? Because you’re not asking. James 4:2 says, “You don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it” (NLT). Look again at what that says: You don’t have it because you don’t ask for it.

If you’ve never asked God for a reset in your life, then all you need to say is, “God, I need a fresh start. I’ve blown it. I’ve made mistakes, and I need you to reboot my life.”

This is the first step to a reset. You just have to ask God for it! 

Everyone needs a reset at some point—because life is hard, and we all make mistakes. Are you ready for God to do something new in your life? Ask him for a fresh start, and he’ll give you renewed energy, a renewed spirit, renewed hope, and a renewed heart.

Talk It Over

  • What is a healthy habit to develop that will help you focus on the future instead of the past?
  • How many times over the course of your life do you think you can ask God for a reset?
  • What are some signs that may indicate it’s time for a reset in your life?

No matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been, you’ve got a place in God’s forever family ready and waiting for you. The invitation is wide open. Just believe and receive.

Trust in God’s character and the grace he extends. Confess your sins and ask God to forgive you. Claim the promise of Jesus, that salvation is free and open to anyone who turns from their sins and agrees to follow him as their Lord and Savior. Humbly ask God to accept you into his forever family.

Are you ready? Here’s a prayer you can start with: “Dear God, I know when I die, I’m going to give an account of my life to you. I know I have sinned against you, and I have lived by my plan, not yours. I want that to change, starting right now. I want to turn away from my sins and toward you.

“Thank you for sending Jesus to die for all that I’ve done wrong so that I don’t have to pay the penalty. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I know only your grace can save me, Lord. I could never be good enough to get into a perfect place.

“Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you took all my guilt on yourself. You made me acceptable for heaven, and I humbly ask you to save me. I believe in you, Jesus. And I believe you will keep your promise to save me instantly, certainly, completely, and eternally. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at [email protected] and let me know. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.


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