Biblical Answer

The Crisis of the Will: Can I Really Start Over When I've Lost Everything?

In the midst of crisis, it's easy to feel like starting over is impossible. We may feel like we've lost everything: our sense of identity, our relationships, our purpose. But the Bible tells us that we are not failures until we give up and refuse to try again (Ecclesiastes 9:4). This is a crucial distinction to make, especially when we're feeling hopeless. We can't undo our past or redo our history, but we can learn from our mistakes and start anew.

The Bible is full of examples of people who experienced crisis and yet still managed to start over. Noah, for instance, had to rebuild his life after the flood, starting from scratch (Genesis 6-7). The persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8 is another example of someone who didn't give up, even when things seemed impossible. She kept asking for justice, and in the end, she received it. These stories remind us that starting over is not only possible but also necessary for growth and transformation. As the Bible says, "For however important chastity or courage or patience or mercy is, it is well to renounce them for a while if by doing so we become more like Christ" (Ecclesiastes 7:1).

So, how can we start over when we've lost everything? First, we need to acknowledge our weaknesses and strengths, just as God has made us (Ecclesiastes 9:9). We can't change the past, but we can learn from it and use those lessons to inform our future decisions. Second, we need to take small steps towards engaging in the struggle (Luke 18:1-8). This might mean reading Scripture, praying, or seeking out support from others. Finally, we need to remember that starting over is not about being perfect; it's about being willing to try again, even when we don't feel like it. As the Bible says, "The morning after, it might be strong, but two weeks later, two months, two years? How hopeless is hope based only on this final experience?" (Ecclesiastes 9:4). With God's help, we can start anew, even in the midst of crisis.