23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.

1 Peter 1:23 [NLT]

Due to my current on-going financial challenges, I’m once again writing this entry on my tablet. I’ve just lost my monthly data plan because I couldn’t afford to renew it, but I’m okay. For a really strange reason, instead of being disappointed or upset about my circumstances, I was able to find some peace instead. Like, I know that everything is going to be okay.

Here’s Why the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is Such A Powerful Story.

The story of Christ being risen from the dead isn’t just a story for Easter Sunday, although that’s usually how it’s being told. It’s the day that Christ was risen. That He had conquered death and sin. Sure, sure. That is all true too. But no.

In my journey of learning to live according to the word of God, I had learned that the story of Jesus’ resurrection had more than one meaning and purpose. It isn’t only about that miracle alone.

Remember what I had said previously about how at different times in our lives, the Bible verses can speak to each of us differently? It is also very much the same when it comes to this particular story.

The Message for Today is About Renewal

Lately, since I begun making this re-commitment to my faith, I’ve been taking the necessary steps to do what was necessary so that I could finally move forward with my life, not only spiritually speaking, but also on a professional and personal level. For the past 19 entries, it’s really all about “doing the work”. I suppose you could set that as the central theme. It was like the Holy Spirit was telling me, “You need to do this. And that.” And by following His guidance, it has helped me to realize that I could indeed move forward. That I don’t have to be stuck on the past.

And now that I know exactly what I am supposed to do, there is one final step that I have to take for this phase of my journey to be complete. I need to forgive myself for everything that I had done. And I mean everything single thing. Every bad decision, every stupid action. Everything.

In fact, I believe that I already started this process last night as I was laying on my bed. I was reminded about one of those really bad ones. One of those that I used to wish I could go back in time and undo it, make a different choice. But I was able to quickly tell myself, “Weizhi, I forgive you for that mistake. It’s over. There’s nothing you can do to change it. Just remember the lesson and don’t make the same mistake again.”

And just like that, it no longer had any power over me. For the first time in a really long time, I was able to get some quality sleep last night, and I woke up today feeling renewed in my energy (even though I’ve only just recovered from my flu & cough over the weekend).

Reading this story about the resurrection of Jesus Christ was a reminder that there is power in renewal. Maybe what you need right now, is a new slate, to have a second chance. Maybe you have a second chance to work on a business idea, to work on your marriage, to go back to school again. Whatever it may be, know this, you have a really powerful opportunity to start over. Don’t let it go to waste.

Personal Prayer for Today

Dear Heavenly Father,

As I read Your word today, I couldn’t help but reflect and think about my own circumstances as well. Thank You for giving me a second chance when it comes to building this relationship with You. I know what went wrong the first time around, and I know how my mistake/failure happened. Now, with this second chance, I am more determined than ever not to allow the same mistake to happen again.

Unlike the saying, “forgive and forget”, I never want to forget. Please do not let me forget. Because it is by remembering our lessons that we don’t make them again.

I am also grateful that You have given me the strength to finally forgive myself for every single bad decisions that I had made in recent years. Thank You for showing me that by forgiving myself, I can take away the power that guilt has over me. In doing so, I can also finally move forward in the right direction.

Today, I begin to embrace this new beginning that You have given to me. I am grateful for the second chance that You have given me. Lord knows, I will cherish it and make the best of it.

I pray all of this in Jesus’ name.

Amen.