From setbacks to success: How to leave the past behind and start afresh

Everyone wants a fresh start at the beginning of the year. Many people in the past year made mistakes, blunders, errors, faulty, failed and experienced many setbacks. And it is easy to allow these past experiences to enslave them. “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Beyond, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18-19). 

Israel had sinned greatly and rebelled against God and he punished them harshly. But he tells them that the punishment was not meant to be their end, rather, he would do a new thing by giving them a fresh start or new beginning. They remembered past deliverances and victories: How they were trapped by the Red Sea with nowhere to go, but he made a way for them. He led them by a pillar of cloud in the day and a pillar of fire by night. He provided for them and protected them. They remembered former things and they could not see their future. 

How do you make a fresh start? - S.T.A.R.T. - First, stop making excuses. Do not make excuses for your failures by blaming others. People may hurt, harm and scar you, but that does not mean you are a victim of your circumstances. Choose to respond to your past by accepting responsibility for your part in the problem. “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13). 

Second, take an inventory of your life. Evaluate all your past experiences - both successes and failures - and learn from them. “Have you suffered so many things in vain - if indeed it was in vain? If you learn from the experience it becomes your friend and if you do not, it becomes your foe.” (Galatians 3:4). 

God uses personal, vocational and educational, spiritual and painful or difficult experiences to shape lives. As you take an inventory of your life, ask yourself: What have I learnt? What assets do I have? - Health, freedom, relationships and family. Who can help me? - A friend, confidant, support group?

Act in faith

Third, act in faith. To launch into new territories you need to act in faith. We get out of life exactly what we expect - according to your faith it will be done to you! The lame man at the temple was expecting alms from Peter and John but he got much more than he bargained for. Peter told him, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” So he leaped up, stood and walked into the temple praising God. 

You need to stop having pity parties, feeling sorry for yourself and being fearful. Instead step out in faith because fear and faith do not co-exist. Your thoughts determine your actions. If you are depressed, distressed, worried and fearful and discouraged; it is most likely these are the thoughts you are entertaining.   

Fourth, refocus by thinking on your initial goals and plans for your life. Do not allow memories keep you from a fresh start and meditate on God’s promises.

Trust God

The Bible advices us to keep our hearts with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind; that we may prove what is that good and perfect will of God. And as a man thinks, so is he. 

Fifth, you need to trust God to help you succeed by depend on him and not on yourself. Do not allow the past mistakes, setbacks and failures enslave you to a point that you fail to move forward; and enjoy the full life God has given you. Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10).

Satan will constantly remind you of your past to keep you haunted; so that you do not enjoy the life God gave you or have a fresh start. However, God wants to do something good in your life by giving you a new beginning and a fresh start. “It is not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6) 

Bishop Muriithi is the Founder & Overseer, House of Grace International Ministries