Our God is awesome and amazing!

Twenty-eight years ago, he brought me through a difficult time. I was holding onto bitterness, and eventually depression set in. Finally, I reached out to him with my whole heart.

And he responded, just as the psalmist said in Psalm 66:20: “Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me!”

He gave me a second chance. He freed me of all bitterness and resentment and gave me a fresh new start! A new beginning! A “do-over”!

God wants to wash our slates clean and keep them clean. He never gives up on anyone. He gives a second chance to all who truly seek forgiveness for what they’ve done.

As we begin our walk with the Lord and listen to his leading, God will lead us to take small steps of faith in following him. He’ll teach us patiently as we develop our relationship with him. Then, as we grow more mature in our walk, he’ll help us take bigger steps.

Sometimes he sounds off an alarm or buzzer to alert us about our words or actions. Thankfully, God provides that “check” that we need to catch ourselves — if we’re listening.

I’m enjoying my walk and special relationship with the Lord. Each morning before starting chores on our dairy farm, I spend quiet time with devotions.

Each sunrise is God’s message to us, and each sunset is his signature. What a great way to start the day!

Buildings need firm foundations, and so do we. Prayer and devotion help us to stand strong and fight off anything the devil may throw at us.

If you don’t know God, he’s there for you, too. Just reach out to Jesus and ask him to come into your life for a fresh start!

Norman writes from Woodstock, Conn. He is a member of Fellowship of Christian Farmers International.