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Can I really get a new start in life?

If you flip through any of the end-of-the-year ads, you'll find all types of exercise equipment and workout gear on sale. Not because the retailers somehow found themselves overstocked, but because they're aware that the new year is when people make resolutions, many of which have to do with getting in shape.

For a lot of people a new year means a time to start over, to create a fresh start in life. But what happens if you hit April and want to start over? Does that mean you have to wait until January 1^st to try again? Absolutely not!

One of the great things about God is that He doesn't work on our human schedule or timeline. He allows us to confess the sin in our life at any time we want! The Bible says that if we confess our sins, God will forgive them every time and He cleanses us of all sin (1 John 1:9, NLT).

The key to starting over begins when you realize the sin in your life and what needs to change. Often, the fear of failure keeps us from changing. Why bother if we're going to mess up anyway, right? Wrong! The problem is you're focusing on your human inability.

No, you might not be able create a lasting change all on your own, but the good thing is you don't have to do it alone. As Christians we need to rely, not on our own strength, but the strength of God. As you start over in life, commit how you will live your new life to God. Continue to pray and ask God for His strength.

If you do not know Christ, you can begin a new life with Him. Second Corinthians 5:17 says, "Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun" (NLT). How refreshing it is to know that when we accept Christ, we get a brand new start in life.