ROSCOMMON, MI – Happy New Year from Bambi Lake! 2018 was a fantastic year for the camp, and we anticipate 2019 being even more exciting as we witness God using Bambi Lake in amazing ways. A new year for many of us often marks a “New Beginning,” an opportunity to rethink or retool our everyday life and our plans for the future. Maybe a new year sparks new dreams or prompts us to refresh old ones in a new way.
However we approach this “New Beginning” it will most likely require a reboot to our thinking. How we view our finances, our health, our relationships, our family - we have to look at these through different lenses. I recently had to start wearing glasses and they have literally changed how I see the world. They are progressive lenses so they help me see things far away, not so far away and up close. I now have the choice to live in my former blurred reality or a new clear reality. My new glasses have provided me a “New Beginning” that is now allowing me to see clearly - I can read my phone now!
However, making the decision to go to the eye doctor, and have my sight examined required a new mindset. I had to acknowledge my eyes were not functioning properly, and decide this was no longer acceptable. As silly as it may seem, this required admitting I was getting older, going to the doctor, probably wearing glasses (one more thing to keep up with), paying for something I don’t want, etc., etc. Nevertheless, I decided my need was greater than my pride. This was my “New Beginning” moment that ushered in a new reality. Which brings me to this question - Is pride keeping you from a “New Beginning”? Is pride keeping you from a “New Reality” like it was me?
I have no way of knowing the area of life you desire a “New Beginning”, but allow me to encourage you with this thought, this reality - “Grace Has Overcome!” Grace wins! What a liberating and life altering reality to live in, just realize this reality requires a new mindset. It requires surrender. Surrender demands humility and humility is the key that unlocks this “New Beginning” in our lives. We have to acknowledge our insufficient strength and resources to handle life on our own. Only by completely surrendering to and relying on the work of God’s grace can we truly have a “New Beginning” in any area of life. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” Ephesians 2:8 (ESV). Grace saved you, now let it change you and let it permeate every breathing moment of your existence. Choose a “New Beginning” with grace. Live in the reality that your striving is insufficient BUT His grace is sufficient!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mick Schatz serves on the staff of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. He is the State Director of Spiritual Enrichment and Retreats and lives at Bambi Lake.