A Promising Beginning

So it was, when he had turned his back to go from Samuel that God gave him another heart; and all those signs came to pass that day.

-1 Samuel 10:9

One of the most important elements in a race is a good start. In swift competition a poor start is tantamount to losing.

For us, the start is the decision to trust Christ as Savior- it’s when we recognize that He died for our sins and start repenting on the Cross. When the prophet Samuel identified Saul as King, it was obvious that Saul had begun his journey with admirable qualities. After Samuel anointed him king, Saul demonstrated his patience and humility by enduring the taunts of “certain worthless men” who mocked him (1 Samuel 10:27).

Perhaps your beginning hasn’t been so favorable. Perhaps, circumstances beyond your control have thwarted you at every turn. Perhaps you have never chosen to follow Christ. You can begin today. If you have not yet received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, invite Him now into your life. Pray that He will cleanse you from your sins and enjoy His salvation and your new life with Him.

If you do know Jesus but are continually frustrated, submit completely to His lordship, asking Him to take control of you and your circumstances. Trust Him to use even your problems for your welfare. He can do it if you turn to Him.

The gift of eternal life that you received through Christ has only begun. Christ, our Life, fills us with His purpose, joy, peace, power, and patience for life’s daily struggles. We have a new, rich quality of life as heirs of God.

Death is but a doorway into the presence of God. Eternal life is yours forever, serving and living in the very presence of God. Eternal life means everything counts- here and hereafter. Nothing is meaningless; nothing is wasted; nothing is ever finished. You are always just beginning.

The time that you receive Christ and begin with Him, you have a fresh encounter with Him.

Psalms 23:3 “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

Many times in the Psalms, David cried out to God to “restore”, “revive”, and “fresh” his soul. He uttered some pleas out of sense of desperation. Others came out of his desire to know God more intimately. David was seeking a fresh encounter with God. You, too, often need times of renewed spiritual vitality.

Although fresh encounters with God cannot be programmed or scheduled, they seldom happen apart from lifestyle of meditation on God’s Word combined with honest prayer. God can break into your life explosively and suddenly or quietly and gradually. But when He does, you sense His presence anew. You are keenly aware of the Holy Spirit’s active ministry.

You walk with a new assurance of God’s help. Your problems may stay, your circumstances may remain, but you know God is in control. You are focused on His adequacy, not your inadequacy.

Personal encounters with God will help you see your weaknesses and magnify the awesome reality of Christ’s love for you. They can refresh the driest soul and energize your new beginning with Him.