THEN and NOW

09 Jul THEN and NOW

Read Isaiah 43:16-19
Thought for the Day: God asks us to look forward!

Oh what a strange thing it is to consider the past. At times, we may wish that what happened THEN could take place NOW. At other times, we may simply want to live “Hakuna Matata” lives and put our behinds behind us (like Pumba in the Lion King). For many of us, reflecting on the past is an opportunity to see how much we have grown. At other times, looking backward reminds us how much more we still want to grow. But the bottom line is simple: no matter our feelings, what happened THEN isn’t NOW. Life moves forward.

The prophet Isaiah spoke to Israel when they were in exile. It was easy for them to look back at what they had lost. Instead, he prepared them for something new that God would do through the Persians. And, one day the Messiah would come and accomplish more than anyone could fathom. The people may have longed to return to the so-called glory days, but God asked them instead to faithfully follow Him into the future: “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing”.

When we find ourselves confusing THEN with NOW, let’s remember God’s promise to each of us. Right now, He is doing something new. God asks us to face the challenges of today knowing that we are not alone. He was faithful THEN and still is NOW!

In Christ,
Pastors Stan and David