Ever feel like you just need the chance to start over? I have good news for you!
You can begin again, today.
If you’re not proud of who you’ve been, or you know you can be better, it’s not too late! Change is hard, but possible.
Some people may judge you based on who you were, and you might have to prove yourself to gain their trust again. It often takes some work to rebuild good relationships. You have to fight the image of who they created of you in their minds and be committed to your new choices and direction!
Some people will understand your desire for change. They will support you, especially if they’re going through a similar process. You don’t have to do it alone.
A year ago, two major things happened in my life: I met my boyfriend Michael, and I became a lot closer with the Lord. Before this, I had not been living right. I was in a bad relationship, I wasn’t focused on the Lord and I was selfish and angry. I could feel the Lord pulling on my heart, asking me to give up my selfish ways and be close to Him. Michael also wanted to get to know me, and I knew that he was living his life right and in a good place with the Lord.
I answered the Lord’s invitation and gave up everything I had selfishly centered my life around that wasn’t a part of God’s plan. From the very beginning I was honest with Michael and told him I had made a lot of mistakes, but that I wanted to live differently now. The Lord and Michael both helped me in this time of new beginnings. Michael didn’t care what kind of person I had been, he forgave me and believed in my desire to be close to the Lord and live my life for Him. God also forgave me. He didn’t make me go through a time of punishment or withhold blessings from me; immediately He started to do amazing works in my life.
Here I am, one full year later, a completely different person – writing for a Christian magazine and giving advice to others! The Lord does amazing things!
I made a choice. I wanted to begin again and I gained the support I needed. Don’t get me wrong, it was still really hard. I had to break off relationships with people I had been close friends with. I had to change my schedule and ended up changing jobs and moving to a different city. The Lord made all of this possible because I trusted Him and desired to be close to Him!
There is more happiness in my life now than ever before! I have many new friendships that I desired and tried to find for a very long time. I am able to spend time on things I love, and best of all I can call Jesus by best friend. I can feel His love as I watch Him do works in my life.
If you need to be closer to the Lord, know that He is not mad at you. He’s not even disappointed in you! He is waiting with open arms, excited to welcome you into a life filled with the most amazing love and wonderful things He wants to give you and do for you.
If you need to end some friendships, get involved in other groups or activities. Change the way you speak to others or change your mindset about school or life in general. Know it will be hard, but it WILL be worth it. You don’t have to do it alone! Be open and vulnerable with your closest friends, and tell them what you need to make happen in your life. The Lord will provide you with the support you need! You can also write to us here at Pure Design – we are here to help you make hard choices and support your new beginning.
We believe in you!
Isabel Siegel is 18 and lives in Westerville, Ohio. She has a passion for all aspects of wellness – organic veggies, nature adventures, and the pursuit and understanding of truth. Non-fiction books, house plants, trips to Whole Foods, and running at Hoover Reservoir are some of the things she loves to do. She is a true conversationalist, and an ideas girl with a massive love for connecting with people. Right now, the Lord is teaching her to trust Him and to dream big.
