Day 8

As we reach the end of the first week of our fast I pray that God is speaking to you. Today is the eight day of our fast and the number eight is significant. It is the number of new beginnings. Specifically the eighth day is the first day of a new week. It symbolizes new hope, a fresh start and a clean slate.

This is the time of year for all of us to put past mistakes or shortcomings behind us and get going again in a good direction. The great thing about serving God is that He is always willing to help us make a new start. The mistakes we make become a stepping stone to the future when we see them as experience, rather than failures. If you are trying to move forward you will inevitably make a goof up or two along the way. It's part of life. The key is to see our negative experiences as paving stones to the success we will have tomorrow.

One time when I was working as a Foreman, my crew had a big disagreement that involved lots of anger and accusation. I had about enough of it so I got everybody in a room and confronted them all about it. The problem was they were all still so mad at each other it just poured salt in their wounds and made things worse. My hasty action was a big mistake! It took me a year to get it all sorted out. The lesson I learned was when people get angry and upset, let some time - at least a day or so pass by before you try to resolve things. Time alone doesn't heal anything but it does let emotions subside enough so that people can discuss the problem.

This is your chance to get a fresh start on things. Allow God to help you start fresh in that area of your life that needs help. He grace is amazing in the area of new beginnings.

Lam 3:22-24 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." NIV