Everything in life starts with a first.
We learn how to walk when we take our first step. We learn how not to ride a bike when we take our first fall. There are good firsts and bad first, but there are always firsts.
I’ve been thinking a lot about relationships. I think the holidays cause us to reflect on the year that has passed. At least it has for me.
Have you ever had a broken relationship? If so, the firsts that follow are extremely difficult. The first few days feel so long and nerve-wracking. You go over and over in your mind if you did the right thing. You wonder: How that person is responding. Or, If they will contact you. There are so many unanswered questions, and so much out of your control.
After you survive those few days, you then face the first week. Which again feels like one week has been a month because there are so many mixed emotions. You wonder if you will ever stop crying and why you’re crying if it was better to part ways. Again, so many questions and so little answers.
You feel a little stronger as the weeks turn into months. Then, there are the first birthdays, or holidays and all of a sudden you have to face the firsts again.
If you have lived any amount of time, you have experienced a lot of firsts. I am writing this because when we know Jesus, the First and the Last, we never have to face the firsts alone! He is with us in the lasts and the firsts.
He experienced a first when he died on the cross. That first was separation from His Father. He experienced that so we NEVER have to experience that as our first (unless we choose to).
In your moments of first, give them to God. Give Him your tears. Give Him your shattered pieces. Give Him your questions and find rest in His never-changing character. Find rest in the one who experienced the worst suffering anyone could have. He did this all to have a relationship with you. He chose you first and tells us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and that all these things will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).
So whether this year has been full of firsts or lasts, I want to remind you, that you are not alone. Jesus said, “I will NEVER leave you nor forsake you” He doesn’t leave us in our moment of firsts or our moments of lasts. He was before all things. He was before our firsts and He will remain long after our lasts. Cling to Him and know that He is ever present help in time of need and He will use ever first and last that we surrender to Him.
Isaiah 44:1-6
1“But now listen, Jacob, my servant,
Israel, whom I have chosen.
2This is what the Lord says—
he who made you, who formed you in the womb,
and who will help you:
Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant,
Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.
3For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring,
and my blessing on your descendants.
4They will spring up like grass in a meadow,
like poplar trees by flowing streams.
5Some will say, ‘I belong to the Lord’;
others will call themselves by the name of Jacob;
still, others will write on their hand, ‘The Lord’s,’
and will take the name Israel.
6“This is what the Lord says—
Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty:
I am the first and I am the last;
apart from me, there is no God.
