Only the Beginning...

“The beginning is the most important part of the work.”   - Plato, The Republic

New beginnings or starting from square one can be a frightening prospect to many of us. New situations, jobs, people, surroundings, etc., may incite anxiety and cause stress, too. One thing is for certain though, we can all relate to this.

Beginnings are unavoidable. Everyone and everything has to begin, or start somewhere; somehow. However, there is one very distinct exception to this rule God! He has. is, and always will be. This concept can be mind-boggling, but it's true.

Of course being who were are, we try to wrap our hands around this thought. But, because of our very limited "temporal" minds, we will never fully comprehend all there is to know about the Alpha and the Omega; at least not on this side of the heavenly plane (Revelation 22:13).

But getting back on topic, nowhere is the powerful concept of beginnings more evident than in Genesis 1. The opening words, "In the beginning..." tell us much about the power and wisdom of our Father in heaven.

The very words suggest, no, they declare that something new is about to occur; something that has never been done before, or since. I ask you to keep in mind that what scripture is talking about here is basically a blank, unmarked canvas.

Imagine the possibilities and direction if one had this kind of opportunity. God was truly starting at ground zero, and the sky was the limit -- even though a sky didn't exist yet! Notice that the next word following, "In the beginning..." is God. We need to be as clear as crystal on this fact that God was at work here. It was His beginning to work with; it was His show.

Following God is the word "created." Let's hit the pause button for a moment. Reading what we have so far, "In the beginning God created..." tells us a lot. One can unquestionably discern that God was personally creating something out of nothing (ex nihilo) here.

Isn't wonderful and amazing to think that God, in his infinite wisdom and love, created not only us but our entire universe, too? It must have been incredibly spectacular. Everything was "new" in every sense of the word. The colors, smells, sights and sounds of His new creation had never existed until then.

Yes, there hasn't been a "beginning" like that since, but that doesn't mean we can't have new "spiritual" beginning. When we repent of our sins and commit to Christ, it is very much a "new beginning" for us (Acts 3:19).

If you could wipe the slate clean and start over again, would you? Of course! Who wouldn't want a new beginning; a fresh start. Only Christ can do this. The good thing is that He not only can, but He wants to do this for you.

Why not start fresh again? Let Christ help you. To begin is to: start; perform or undergo the first part of (an action or activity). God is pretty good with beginnings. You can trust Him to do an outstanding job with your new beginning, too!

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ecclesiastes 3:11; John 1:1 

Prayer: “Heavenly Father, I believe your Holy Spirit is real. I believe this gift is for me. Lord, I want to be filled with your Holy Spirit, and I am asking you for this gift. I will humble myself and use this blessing only for your glory. In Jesus’s name, Amen.”

God bless you!

Chrissie