Fields United Methodist Church

Celebrate Jesus!

Pastor Tom Joyce

January 4, 2023

“Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; it now springs forth, do you not perceive it?”

Isaiah 43:18-19

It has been said that the only constant in the world is change. Every day seems to be different, seasons change, and even sunrises which have happened since the beginning of time are all different.  But there are times when we just seem to be in a rut when days all run together like watercolors on a rainy day.  We may look back and even wish for “the good old days,” which always seem to be viewed through rose-colored glasses.  As you begin this new year, God is doing a “new thing” right now, this very moment in your life. The challenge is to embrace the moment and celebrate the present time as a gift from God. Some days may be different than others and maybe there is a sea of change happening to you.  God will not “leave you or forsake you,” hence Jesus. A “new thing” can be seen in 2 ways; as a challenge to overcome or an adventure to embrace. When you choose to see new things as an adventure, you will also experience the reality of God’s presence through Jesus and that is when the excitement begins. As our Lord and Savior, Jesus understands that our lives may not always go how we would like them but even on our worst day, by faith we can proclaim as Paul did, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) In the midst of an ever-changing world, know that you are never alone; consider every day an adventure, strengthened and anointed by the One who has promised to “be with you always, even to the end of the age.”