Biblical Answer

Starting Over: A Biblical Perspective

Starting over can be a daunting task, especially when we're struggling with personal roadblocks or addictions. However, the Bible offers guidance on how to break free from these obstacles and begin anew. To start over, we need to acknowledge our failures and take responsibility for our actions. This involves admitting our sins to God and resolving to be done with them (1 John 1:9). We must also turn to Christ and commit ourselves to keeping turning to Him, for it is in Him that we find the power to overcome our struggles (Philippians 4:13).

Another crucial step in starting over is to surround ourselves with wise counselors and to be part of a church community. This provides us with accountability, support, and guidance as we navigate the process of recovery. We must also engage in specific prayer, asking God to prepare our hearts for victory and to arrange circumstances to help us on the road to recovery (Jeremiah 29:11). Memorizing promises from God, such as "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13), can also be a powerful tool in our journey.

Ultimately, starting over requires us to lay down our arms and surrender to God's sovereignty. This means acknowledging that we are not in control and that God is the one who can bring about true change in our lives. As the Bible says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9). By embracing this perspective, we can begin to see that starting over is not about trying to be good on our own, but about surrendering to God's goodness and allowing Him to work in our lives. As we do so, we can find the power to overcome our struggles and start anew.