Surviving Chaos

As a child, Kick-Ball was one of my favorite games. The objective is simple; kick the rolling ball, run the bases, and eventually score points or “runs” for your team. Sounds easy enough doesn’t it? Depending on the skill behind the kick you can be a Hero or a Zero for your team.  One aspect of the game, which still remains a mystery to this day, is the “Do-Over” rule. This little known rule states that if things don’t go your way, you simply request to kick again, attempting for a better outcome. Of course, in order for the Do-Over to be legitimate it is often accompanied with shouting, fits, and a momentary tantrum. Even as an adult, I’ve noticed that many of today’s Sports have a version of the Do-Over. In Golf it’s called a Mulligan. In Bowling it’s called the Spare. In Baseball it’s called a Foul Ball. And in Football it’s the Instant Replay. In each case, the outcome has an opportunity to change from its previous, undesired conclusion.

As we come into a new year we face a Do-over of sorts. We get a chance to leave behind the previous year and look forward to a brand new year. This coming year can be filled with restarts, Do-Overs, and clean slates. The events of the previous year are points in the past. They can be stepping stone rather than a points of dwelling. The Bible says, 18 “But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. 19 For I am about to do something new.  See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness.  I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18-19 NLT)

God has a plan and a purpose for you this coming year. He has a plan for something new, something fresh, something beyond our own comprehension. How will you respond? Will you look forward to the Paths through the Wilderness or the Rivers through the Wastelands? Or will you focus on the Past. God wants to do something NEW in your life this Year. He is willing to give you a Do-Over. All you have to do is say, “YES, Please!”