Striving for the NewScripture: Isaiah 43:18-21 Have you ever met someone who always says what great things God did but never says what great things God is doing now? While the Isaiah scripture is not saying that the past things are unimportant, we do need to be reminded that we worship a Living Lord who is doing new things every day – actually, every moment. We need to be tuned in and to pay special attention to what is going on around us. Our Lord delights in doing something new and involving us in those new plans. Unfortunately, the ‘new’ are things which often make us uncomfortable. They lead us to unseen and unfamiliar circumstances where we may not be in control, but God uses these new experiences to stretch us. When God describes the new in Isaiah – roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert or (250 new faith communities - author’s addition) – they seem impossible to us. But like Abraham, Joseph, Daniel and Jesus we need to understand that these impossibilities of life are the greatest of opportunities for God. As we seek God’s guidance, we realize that these circumstances are designed to shape and mold us into Christ so we can share the Good News with others and bring glory to His name. Be alert and look for the new things God is doing every moment. Prayer: Lord, we aren’t very observant at times and we miss many of the new things you are doing around us. Forgive us for our inattentiveness often brought on by our own busyness. Lift us out of impossible thinking into opportunities of witness for you. Shape and mold our lives to bring glory to your name. Thank you for calling us, for leading us and for being utterly faithful. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. Darlene V. Amon |