The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading Planનમૂનો

Beginning Anew

God gives love and forgiveness over and over again (2Ch 7:14). Often, the believer who accepts his free gift by faith fails to follow him completely or consistently. Even so, God graciously makes available again and again a new beginning, an extended opportunity.

Beyond the realm of forgiveness, Scripture presents numerous accounts in which the Lord reversed certain conditions or circumstances and gave a chance to his people to begin anew. The mother of Moses was given a second chance to rear her son (Ex 2:7–9). Miriam was given a second chance when God forgave her rebellious spirit and healed her leprosy (Nu 12:10–15). Hannah’s barrenness was overruled so that she might bear Samuel and dedicate him to the Lord (1Sa 1:2–28).

Women are offered a new beginning in many New Testament accounts. Elizabeth conceived a child in her later years and gave birth to John the Baptist (Lk 1:5–25). The widow of Nain was given another chance when her son was raised from the dead (Lk 7:11–17). The woman caught in the act of adultery was given another opportunity to live a God-fearing life (Jn 8:3–11). Dorcas was raised from the dead by Peter and given additional years in which to serve the Lord (Ac 9:36–42).

The Bible also presents stories of lives in which women did not accept the second chance offered to them by God. Jezebel rejected her second chance and deliberately disobeyed God (2Ki 9:30–37). Bernice heard the gospel message as preached by Paul; yet, we have no indication she accepted it (Ac 25:23; 26:30–32).

God’s mercy and justice are balanced. Though a believer may still experience some temporal consequences for her disobedience, she can receive forgiveness and assurance of life because her sins are covered by the blood of Christ. Another opportunity does not necessarily mean an absence of consequences. God’s justice often allows consequences for past sinful behavior even after a person has turned to him in obedience, but his mercy continues to offer the protection of a gracious and forgiving heavenly Father (Lk 15:20; Jn 10:28–29).

Taken from NIV The Woman’s Study Bible