“Start at the Beginning”

Focal Verse(s): Genesis 1:1-2

¹In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. ² The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. (English Standard Version, ESV)

I will be one of the first to admit that I have a shaky track record in following step-by-step directions when assembling things. It may be the recovering control freak in me.  When starting a project I sometimes find myself getting lost in the middle of the directions. This is especially true upon visualizing what I think the bookcase, remote control car or home appliance should look like. Even so, I will always pull out the directions and start at the beginning. Though I historically veer off course half-way into the project, I am unable to start until I follow step number one.

The Bible starts where all things should, the beginning. We read in the starting verses of the first book, Genesis, that in the beginning there was God, and a deep darkness over an incomplete world. Then God decides, in His infinite and eternal power, to create. This was a decision only He could make. He starts by creating light, which comes to distinguish day from night. In the verses which follow, we learn God spent a total of six days working, dividing waters, establishing vegetation and carefully and purposefully crafting its inhabitants. God did all of this from darkness and incompleteness, yet in His divine step-by-step order.

As we move into a new year, new season and appointed time of life’s journey, join me at the beginning with God.  When working on any project, the beginning is the most critical place to start. Starting at the beginning, will require us to be in physical, mental and spiritual position to hear from God the Creator.  He will provide guidance on all which will be necessary to shift step-by-step. Please note, there will be much to navigate this year. It will be tempting to skip the uncomfortable and challenging steps. We may also forget or even try to ignore that we will sometimes be forced to take steps through the terrain of hurt, grief, and loss. However, beginning with God will provide a solid foundation to bend, twist, and fall, yet be unbreakable, straighten, and stand again.

Let us move into this year starting at the only place we can, the beginning.

Keep the Faith,

Micara