Eve: New Beginnings

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed;

He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel” (Genesis 3:15).

Most of us look forward to a new year with hope and anticipation. If we were sincere and transparent, who among us wouldn’t welcome a fresh start? Indeed, we are optimistic people, and hope springs eternal. For many of us, the new year marks an opportunity to do “life better than ever before.” Watch this, though. Some look forward with hope because mistakes, regret, and shame weigh them down. They can’t wait for a new beginning. Did you catch that? They are looking for a fresh start, but not a new life! But we know that true victory comes through new life in Jesus. That’s where we find hope and purpose and become new creatures with new lives who celebrate Christ in us – who is our only hope of glory!

Indeed, having a witness of His indwelling Spirit gives us hope and confidence. He will see us through, and His mercies are new every day! Referencing the redeemed, Paul told the church at Colossi: “To them [the elect] God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery [the truth about the Messiah which lay hidden within the pages of the Old Testament] among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Even though the Messiah was promised from the Old Testament, believers did not understand that He would take up residence in them (and us)! That’s right, and as prophesied, He did. For all who believe, Jesus is new life and the best new beginning ever. But that’s not all! He is our constant and steadfast companion all the days of our lives. He will never leave us or forsake us. Thanks be to God! We can endure all things because His spirit will guide us and see us through. (Note: For more about His indwelling Spirit, you are invited to review John 14:23; Romans 8:9-10; Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 1:7, 17-18, 3:8-10, and 3:16-19.)

Does it truly matter? Of course, it does. An inmate recently confessed, “I need God’s help to pull me through ’cause I ain’t ever coming back here.” One stint in the big house, and she was done. And, thank goodness, she has returned to her faith and finds her comfort, strength, and hope in Christ alone! She has “a witness” of His indwelling Spirit and knows He has plans for her life. That’s a new beginning designed exclusively for her – and she’s anticipating marvelous things because, as she said, “He is altogether lovely – faithful and true!” Before I concluded those semester classes, she was paroled. I know she’ll make it, though. She is looking to Jesus for victory. She’s assured that hope is not only renewed in Him but flourishes! He promises that those who trust in Him will not be put to shame. (See Romans 10:11.)

Another friend has suffered several losses over the past year and confessed that she would be glad to see the year’s end. In her words, “It was a painful year!” If you’ve recently suffered loss or separation, you may also be of that mindset. When it’s time to move on, we sense it, and by God’s grace, He pulls us through in a Godly fashion. God has a way of healing our hearts, ministering to our broken spirits,  cleaning up our messes, and making us much lovelier – inside and out – than we truly are or deserve. I wholeheartedly agree that God does His best work in and through our biggest messes! In my life, He always has. He has certainly made me look better than I am or feel countless times. And for that, I thank you, Jesus!

Ultimately, a new year brings us hope and brightens our outlook. It’s the time when optimism soars as plans are made, goals are set, and resolutions are recorded. In the natural sense, we plan to eat better, exercise more, be better wives, husbands, or parents, and be generous givers. We also set our short and long-term goals. For the most part, the results are somewhat predictable, as tradition holds that many of these resolves will be broken within a week - some within a day. Nonetheless, we plan. Although many of us will fail in our efforts, we anticipate great things every time. I’ve already said, “we are optimistic people,” and yes, hope springs eternal.

Wanting something new or different is a story that is as old as time. Even Eve, who wasn’t challenged by the eye candy of social media like we are, wanted something more than God had provided. How utterly human! How long had Eve been dissatisfied and lived with unconfessed longings? We don’t know, but we do know this:  She wanted more than God provided, although His provision is always perfect, right, and timely. But guess what? Her new beginning wasn’t quite what she anticipated. God has a way of bringing us to His desired end or purpose, and we can’t escape His sanctifying work in us.

So, like most of us, Eve failed. But watch this closely. When Eve failed, it was forward! She pushed against God by entertaining the devil, eating the forbidden fruit, and giving it to Adam. Because God is merciful, He spared their lives. But since sin can’t go unpunished, He banished them from the garden and moved her forward. That was her new beginning, even though it was a consequence to sin. It was the recompense she earned from the fruit of her labors. Through it, though, God showed even greater mercy. He gave her a promise before moving Adam and Eve forward. (See Genesis 3:15.) Watch this! A loving and gracious God always gives us hope when He schools us.

There’s nothing wrong with planning. If it keeps you on track, do so. Write it down, pray over it, and offer your plan to God. Be sure to allow Him time to make changes and then put it into practice. Remember to aid the outcome and give God the place of highest honor in your life. Why? Because that’s the position of honor He earned on Calvary. Spend time with Him every day and stay in the Word. Seek His presence and anticipate His guidance. Ladies, He will not fail you – ever. Then, most assuredly, you will succeed because He will guide your thoughts and decisions as He guards your heart.

What’s the takeaway? If you’re longing for a new beginning, ask Jesus to become Lord of your life, because He makes all things new! As you embrace a new year or a new beginning, make Him the ruler of your heart, since He is either Lord of all or not Lord at all. In Him, you will find all you truly need. 

Prayer: Mighty and gracious Lord, be our vision and focus. Fill our hearts to overflowing and order our steps. Give us new life in you and great victory on the journey. Amen, and amen.