Read: Isaiah 43:16-19
Facebook and Twitter can sometimes be cruel, divisive, and just downright mean. We should always try to ignore, delete, and move past those posts when they affect us in a negative way. But sometimes there are posts that are relationship builders, funny, and inspirational. Recently a pastor shared this on his Twitter feed, “Regret looks back. Fear looks around. Worry looks in. Faith looks up. Hope looks forward.”
Those words reminded me of what Isaiah 43 says about God doing a new thing in our lives. Verses 18 and 19 say, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” You see the correlation there with that pastors quote?
When we are forward focused we can look up to God for help (faith) and look forward (hope) to how the Lord can and will move us past our regrets, fears, and worries. If we allow it and accept it, God can take the many things of our life, both good and bad, and make them into something positive and wonderful.
A cook one time used this illustration. When she makes biscuits she uses many things that don’t taste good on their own like flour, baking soda, shortening, etc.. However, she looks forward to what the end result will be once they are mixed together and put in the oven. Life is often that way too. We can dwell on our current circumstances or we can ask God to help us see what he is going to do in the future. God can and will make a new way, if you seek his help.
Make it Personal: As you go through your week try to notice what things you are focused on and how that is affecting your attitude and outlook on life. Consider the negative impact of allowing negativity, fear, and worry into your life. Instead choose to see the new thing God is going to do.
Have a great week Everyone,
Pastor Glen Rhodes
