When we think about starting over, it is not with great joy and anticipation that we do it. When we’ve lost our job and we have to start over…when we’ve lost our home and we have to start over…when we’ve lost a lifelong mate and we have to start over…when we’ve lost everything in a financial collapse and we have to start over… it is not with great joy and anticipation that we do it. It is tough, painful and often downright depressing.
You know, spiritually speaking, there are times when we have to “start over.” When someone who is lost in sin hears the saving message of the gospel, it is time to start over (cf. Acts 3:19). When a Christian turns from serving God to follow after the pleasures of this life, it is time to start over (cf. James 5:19-20). When a Christian makes a mistake that hurts others, harms his influence or tarnishes the church, it is time to start over (cf. Acts 8:18-24).
One great thing about our relationship with God is – it’s ok to start over!