Fields United Methodist Church

Day 34.  Take Time to Be Holy

May 12, 2020

“I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not yet perceive it” I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43: 19

Read: Isaiah 43:1-21

Yet another day in the life of being safe and healthy to the best of our ability with the information we have been given; it has been lonely, confusing, challenging, yet at the same time exciting and holy. God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, is doing a “new thing” in our lives; always has been but now it has become obvious. Life is changing to be sure but our unchanging Lord is continuing to offer new opportunities even and especially in times such as these. Maybe the “new thing” is actually a kinder and gentler world that is grace-filled and awe-inspiring. Think about how we worship and how we are doing a “new thing.” Churches around the nation are seeing more people than ever before becoming involved in worship, part of small groups, and experiencing a closer relationship with Jesus.  Corporations and research facilities are working closely together trying to find vaccines, medications, and other ways of fighting this disease and other diseases that plague society. People are more apt to wave and greet others as they walk along the path of life.  So why is God still working and offering grace upon grace and opportunity upon opportunity? Maybe the answer is Isaiah 43:4, “Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you.” You are so loved, so “honored” by God that even in uncertain times, there is a “new thing” offered to you that really is nothing new at all; God’s never-ending love. Jesus makes a “way out of no-way” and where one chapter comes to an end another begins. There is a “new thing” happening everyday just for you, just because your Lord will never let you go. In Jesus, life is an adventure with grace offered every day no matter the circumstance and no matter where you find yourself along life’s journey. 

Name 3 ways your life has been positively impacted by the pandemic?

How can you respond to the needs of others in a new way?

How are you taking time to be holy today?

Prayer:  Gracious and ever-loving God, open my eyes so I may see the newness of life that is offered to me today. Help me be mindful of the needs of others so I can reach out with the same grace you have offered me. Amen