“Do not remember the things that have happened before. Do not think about the things of the past. SEE, I WILL DO A NEW THING. It will begin happening now. Will you not know about it? I will even make a road in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” – Isaiah 43:18-19 New Life Version.
“And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also, He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true [they are accurate, incorruptible, and trustworthy].” – Revelation 21:5 Amplified Bible.
Each setback in life is an opportunity for a fresh start [A NEW BEGINNING], a chance to rewrite our stories. Let’s draw inspiration from the remarkable journey of Dave Ramsey, a man who faced financial ruin and rose again, embodying the essence of resilience and divine intervention.
The Rise and Fall: A Story of Over-Leverage
In 1988, at the tender age of twenty-eight, Dave Ramsey faced a financial catastrophe. Despite being worth $4 million through his real estate ventures, aggressive loan recalls by banks left him unable to repay his $1.2 million debt. This led to his filing for bankruptcy—a humbling and devastating blow.
A New Beginning: From Ruin to Recovery
Ramsey’s story didn’t end with bankruptcy. Instead, it marked the beginning of a transformative journey. Alongside his wife, he took a hard look at their lives, attitudes, and behaviors. Through faith and a commitment to change, they rebuilt their lives, proving that no matter how dire the situation, a new beginning is always possible.
Faith in Action: God’s Hand in New Beginnings
The Bible reminds us of God’s promise for renewal: “Do not remember the things that have happened before. Do not think about the things of the past. SEE, I WILL DO A NEW THING. It will begin happening now. Will you not know about it? I will even make a road in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” – Isaiah 43:18-19 (New Life Version).
Embracing Responsibility: The Power of Change
Dave Ramsey didn’t just rely on faith; he took responsibility for his past mistakes and made significant changes. He founded the Lampo Group in 1988, a financial counseling service that would later become Ramsey Solutions. By 1992, he had written and self-published his first book, Financial Peace, and in 1994, he launched Financial Peace University. Through these initiatives, he has helped countless individuals regain control of their finances.
Encouragement for Your New Beginning
Ramsey’s journey teaches us that:
- Acknowledge Your Reality: Face your situation head-on, just as Dave did when he assessed his financial state.
- Embrace Faith: Trust in God’s promise for renewal. As Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, faith is crucial in seeking God.
- Act: Change requires effort. Be ready to adjust your attitude and behavior, surrendering to God’s will. Bible faith requires a corresponding action to work. James 2:26 says, “The very moment you separate body and spirit, you end up with a corpse. Separate faith and works and you get the same thing: a corpse.” [Message Bible].
Moving Forward!
No matter how tragic your situation might seem, remember that God desires a new beginning for you. Approach Him with faith and a willingness to change, and you’ll witness His transformative power in your life. As we journey through August, let’s commit to embracing new beginnings, trusting that with God’s guidance and our dedication, we can overcome any obstacle and emerge stronger. [To be continued next week].
Love you all. Have a blessed week!
