In the journey of faith, new beginnings are often activated by various spiritual practices and attitudes that align us with God’s will and open the doors to His blessings. From the previous articles (Triggers for Divine New Beginning (1) – Feast of light and Triggers for Divine New Beginning (2) – Feast of light), we learned that faith, prayer, repentance, holiness, obedience, having an expectant heart, and letting go of the past are triggers for a divine new beginning. However, several other crucial elements can also catalyse new beginnings in our lives. These include gratitude, forgiveness, service to others, giving, faith community, scripture study, and worship. Let’s explore each of these elements with supporting biblical evidence and examples
1) Gratitude: Cultivating a Thankful Heart
A quote by Charles Finney: “A state of mind that sees God in everything is evidence of growth in grace and a thankful heart.”
Dear reader, when you begin to see God in everything you face in life or that comes your way, you will be able to cultivate a continuous lifestyle of gratitude to God regardless of the vicissitudes of life. Gratitude is a powerful spiritual practice that will open doors to new opportunities and blessings. When we cultivate a thankful heart, we acknowledge God’s goodness and provision in our lives, which positions us to receive more from Him.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV): “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
By giving thanks in all circumstances, we align ourselves with God’s will, creating an atmosphere of faith and expectation that will lead to new beginnings.
Case of the Leper Who Returned to Thank Jesus: In Luke 17:11-19, ten lepers were healed by Jesus, but only one returned to express gratitude. Jesus not only acknowledged his gratitude but also told him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well” (Luke 17:19). This man’s gratitude led to a deeper blessing and a new beginning of wellness in his life that no power of the enemy can truncate.
2) Forgiveness: Letting Go of Grudges and Offences
Forgiveness is essential for freeing ourselves from past hurts and allowing God to bring about new beginnings. Holding on to grudges or unforgiveness can hinder our spiritual growth and block the blessings that God wants to pour into our lives.
Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV): “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Forgiving others as God has forgiven us opens our hearts to healing and restoration, setting the stage for fresh starts and new opportunities. If forgiveness is one of the spiritual elements that opens new beginnings in our lives, then unforgiveness, by itself, is a negative spiritual element that will hinder new divine beginnings from coming your way.
Case of Joseph Forgiving His Brothers: Joseph’s journey to becoming a ruler in Egypt involved forgiving his brothers who sold him into slavery. In Genesis 50:20-21, Joseph reassured his brothers, saying, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good… Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Joseph’s forgiveness allowed him to fully step into his God-ordained destiny and brought about a new beginning for his family.
3) Service to Others: Acts of Kindness
A quote by Thomas Brook “The best way to do ourselves good is to be doing good to others; the best way to gather is to scatter.”
Sometimes, when faced with adversity in life, we hold back from doing good for others because we feel we are in real need of goodness ourselves. However, in Mark 10:45, Jesus teaches us a higher principle to follow: He came to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.
Service to others is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith. Acts of kindness and service can not only bless others but also bring about positive changes in our own lives.
Galatians 6:9-10: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Serving others with a pure heart can lead to divine rewards and open doors to new opportunities.
Case of Dorcas (Tabitha): Dorcas was known for her good works and acts of charity. When she died, the disciples in Joppa sent for Peter, who prayed and brought her back to life (Acts 9:36-42). Her service to others not only impacted her community but was a trigger to a miraculous new beginning for her. Her service to others spoke for her, and it compelled the power of God through Peter to bring her back to life. It was a divine new beginning of life for Dorcas
4) Giving: Sacrificial Giving
Giving is a spiritual principle that can lead to breakthroughs and new beginnings. When we give sacrificially, we demonstrate our trust in God’s provision, which can lead to divine intervention and blessings.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7: “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Giving from the heart, especially when it costs us something, can lead to a harvest of blessings.
Case of David’s Sacrifice: In 2 Samuel 24:24-25, David refused to offer to the Lord that which cost him nothing. He bought the threshing floor and oxen at full price and offered sacrifices to God, which resulted in the plague being stopped. This sacrificial giving led to a new beginning for the nation.
God bless you
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name
Confession: Past hurts, pains, mistakes and errors I refuse to be put in bondage anymore, I am forgiven by the blood of Jesus. I enter into a divine new beginning in life and destiny by the power of God in Jesus Name
Feast of Light Word Ministry
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Thank you for reading the article. May God bless you richly in Jesus Name. Amen