The Challenges of a New Beginning: How to Let Go & Step Into God’s Plan
New beginnings are beautiful, but they don’t come without challenges. Anytime we step into something new—whether it’s a new mindset, a new season, or a renewed walk with God—there will always be opposition. But the Word of God reminds us that we must stay focused on what’s above, not on the distractions around us.
Colossians 3:1-10 (KJV) says:
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth… But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.”
This passage lays out a clear message: if we are in Christ, our focus must shift. We cannot keep holding onto the things of this world while also striving for a new life in Him.
Where Is Your Focus?
The true prize is heaven. That’s the goal. That’s the mission.
So ask yourself: Where is my focus?
Matthew 6:33 tells us, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
We cannot put the world before God and expect Him to move in our lives. When we put Him first, everything else falls into place—not always the way we expect, but always according to His perfect plan.
But let’s be real: staying focused on God isn’t always easy.
People closest to us will hurt us.
The enemy will try to shake us.
Living as a child of God will always bring opposition.
The devil stays busy when you’re walking right with God.
This is why faith, perseverance, and trust in God's plan are essential. We don’t quit when things get hard. We press forward.
Time to Eliminate Some Things
If we’re truly stepping into a new beginning with God, we have to let go of the old things holding us back.
1. Fornication & Sexual Sin
Let’s keep it real—fornication is a trap.
The world makes it seem like sex outside of marriage is normal, no big deal. But the Word of God says otherwise.
“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” — 1 Corinthians 6:18
Flee it. Run from it. Starve it. If you need to, punch your own self in the face (figuratively, of course). Because at the end of the day, you’re only hurting yourself.
Sex outside of marriage?
Entertaining situations you know you shouldn’t be in?
Watching things that stir up lustful thoughts?
Eliminate it.
Romans 1:22-27 warns us about how sexual sin leads to deeper separation from God. It doesn’t just stay in one place—it spreads, growing into stronger temptations and eventually leading to destruction.
James 1:14-15 lays out the cycle of sin:
Temptation → Lust → Enticement → Sin → Death.
The time to stop it is at the temptation stage.
2. Unclean Living
Uncleanliness isn’t just about physical dirt—it’s about our actions, our words, and the way we live.
What are you speaking over yourself and others?
How are you carrying yourself?
Are you letting toxic environments shape you?
We can’t expect to step into a new season while still entertaining mess.
3. Idolatry: Who (or What) Are You Worshiping?
An idol is anything that takes God’s place in your heart.
Money?
Success?
A relationship?
Social media?
We may not physically bow to statues, but idolatry is alive and well when we prioritize anything over God.
4. Master Your Emotions
Anger. Malice. Unforgiveness.
Ephesians 4:26 says, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.”
Anger itself isn’t the problem—it’s what you do with it.
Holding onto grudges?
Speaking out of rage?
Allowing bitterness to grow?
You can’t carry that into your new beginning.
Malice—allowing evil and negativity to dwell around you—needs to go, too. The enemy wants you to stay in a cycle of anger, revenge, and destruction. But God calls us to rise above it.
Put On the New You
You cannot embrace the new while still holding onto the old.
Colossians 3:10 reminds us that we are renewed in the image of Christ. This means we have to let go of:
❌ Filthy communication
❌ Ungodly habits
❌ Emotional immaturity
❌ The world's way of thinking
And instead, we need to:
✅ Walk in purity
✅ Speak with grace
✅ Move in wisdom
✅ Align our lives with God’s design
Final Thoughts
A new beginning is not just about what you gain—it’s about what you’re willing to let go of.
If you truly want to walk in God’s purpose, you have to:
🔥 Let go of sexual sin.
🔥 Eliminate unclean habits.
🔥 Put God FIRST above everything.
🔥 Stop carrying anger and unforgiveness.
🔥 Step boldly into the new person God is calling you to be.
What is God calling you to leave behind in this season?
