Fresh Start Stories
Be encouraged as you watch and read these real life examples of
transformed lives that have all experienced a Fresh Start!
-
Heidi
Nebraska
I processed my father. Growing up, my father was verbally and physically abusive to me and my mother, but not my other siblings. This always bothered me and I was always trying to figure out what I had done to upset him. My father was constantly putting me down and making fun of me I felt so dumb and worthless. I spent most of my childhood walking on eggshells to keep peace in our home. In high school, I went through a very rebellious stage and wanted nothing to do with my father at all. I had completely ruled him out of my life.
A wise man helped me realize forgiving a person does not mean you have to forget what they have done to you. It simply frees you from the weight you have been carried around for so many years. I knew if I was going to 100% give my life to Jesus, I had to be all in. I needed to forgive my father in order for God to forgive me. I have prayed for His help in this area of my life. I prayed for a total cleansing and for God to restore my relationship with my father. God met me right where I was and he has become so real to me. Since my fresh start, my heart, day by day, is being put back together and the power of forgiveness continues to surprise me. I have not felt hate, bitterness or anger towards my father since my fresh start. My attitude toward life is so optimistic now. I do have a relationship with my Dad now and it's all due to a willing heart and the power and mercy of the Lord. I have really learned not to doubt God. There were times when I thought "God if you really love me why, why this for me, why this for my family?" God Is so faithful and all things work together for good. There is a verse that has been like a new life motto for me and when I'm having a hard time I look back on it. I Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this Is God's will for you In Christ Jesus."