Start Again

We are already in the ninth month, almost moving to the tenth! It’s unbelievable how quickly time is flying.

At the beginning of the year, there must have been a plethora of goals and to-do lists you placed on the table. Remember that bucket list of activities you said you would accomplish?

Whatever they were, life happened along the way. You may have achieved some, while others are still sitting on that list, waiting for your attention.

Perhaps some life-changing events made you lose your spark, your motivation, or even your excitement for the life you envisioned. Instead of seeing it as a rerouting, you may have thrown in the towel, convinced yourself that it was the end, and slammed on the brakes.

Our minds are wired around the twelve-month calendar and the timelines we set for ourselves. When we reach certain milestones, we feel proud and often don’t hesitate to share our accomplishments with the world. But the opposite can also happen. When we fail to meet our goals or timelines, we can retreat into our shells, feeling disappointed or even defeated.

So, here’s a thought:

What did you set out to accomplish this year? And what were the moments that stole your joy, creativity, passion, or excitement for the life you set out to build?

Don’t let a calendar pull you away from your purpose.

Start again — even with the little strength you have left.

As long as there is life, there are still possibilities. Your story is not over. In fact, your next chapter may only be beginning.

Samson Started Again

Samson, one of the strongest men recorded in the Bible, started well.

His birth was prophesied, and specific instructions were given regarding his upbringing. God had a plan for him, and that plan was unfolding right before his eyes. Judges 13 captures the genesis of his story.

Then life happened.

Samson made some choices that led him away from God's purpose for his life. Eventually, his strength was stripped away. The man who could kill a lion with his bare hands could hardly defend himself against his enemies.

Yet, his story did not end there.

Samson started again.

He took those baby steps back to the Source — God Himself.

While the Philistines jeered and prepared to humiliate and possibly kill Israel’s mighty man, Samson prayed for another chance. Another opportunity to rise again.

And God honored his request.

In that moment of seemingly little strength, Samson demonstrated the God-given strength that had always been part of his story. 

What a powerful reminder:

Your weakest moment does not have to be your final chapter.

Start Again

Where do you need to start again?

Maybe it’s not the grand things. Maybe it’s simply getting back into rhythm with the small things.

Show up again.

Start praying again.

Take your morning walks again.

Pick up that book again.

Find joy in the simple things again.

Create again.

Dream again.

Believe again.

It’s time to lay the weight down and surrender every burden, disappointment, and obstacle to God.

The time for renewal is here.

There is abundant grace to start again.

Even if certain opportunities were missed along the way, your story has not ended. What happened yesterday does not have to determine what God can do with your tomorrow.

So, take a breath.

Take that first step.

Start again — this time with unwavering reliance on God’s strength and His unfailing love for you.

As Paul reminds us:

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,”
— Philippians 3:13 (NIV)

There is still time. There is still grace. There is still purpose.

Start again.