There was a time not long ago that I subconsciously thought that coming to Southern Seminary and moving to Louisville would be the answer to all my problems. Not that I have any significant problems in my life or traumatizing issues to deal with, but I am sure there was a part of me that hoped to run away from those unresolved concerns that plague my sinful heart. Those who truly know me know that I am mature enough not to start seminary with such a mentality, and that is why in the months leading up to my start at Southern I had actively sought to die to such sinful, unhelpful, futile thoughts.

Now that I look back on the first couple weeks of seminary, I’ve realized that this running-away, moving away is the answer mentality was still present at the back of my head all this time. I guess it was something I just hoped to be true, despite how morally wrong a notion it may be. Why would I want to believe that? Most certainly because moving away from Toronto, and starting over “tabula rasa” is much, much easier than trying to fix and resolve the problems. Trying to fix it takes too much time, effort and heartache! It’s like that old, run-down car or slow computer some people have: trying to fix it and get it to run smoothly would only cost too much money and effort; it would be a lot easier just to start over and buy a new one.

This idea of “easier” and getting a “new start” is what the Spirit convicted me of earlier today. The Father said to me, “Running away in order to start over is NOT the easier way. It is actually the harder, more difficult way. And if you think Louisville is the answer, if you think Southern is the answer, then you totally missed out on the Way to start anew with your life daily!”

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

In Christ, everyday is a new start! However I messed up the day before, He wipes my slate clean by His blood and I get to start all over again without any hint of past failures. And it does not get any easier this—all it takes is a complete heart of trust and faith in Him who knew no sin but still bore my sin so that I could be the righteousness of God in Him. What a timely reminder!

Here’s to new beginnings