Many of us can find ourselves trapped in a rut of routine. We may have become accustomed to doing something the same old way, and even more dangerous, seeing something from the same old perspective. We may feel comfortable, even cozy for a while, but then sometimes we just get the feeling that there is more for us out there. We may not even realize why, but somehow, what once felt very comfortable, now feels restrictive and restraining. It is at this point that we may want or need a new thing to be done in our lives.
Albert Einstein said that insanity was doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Many of us can relate to this. We want a something better. We dream about it, hope for it and pray for it But it seems like whenever we try to make a significant, lasting change we can't do it alone. This is when we get the chance to exercise the faith we profess.
Isaiah 43:19 reads, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." As I read this text I am reminded that sometimes we, or someone we love, find ourselves in a desert or wasteland experience. The desert may be a self-destructive attitude or habit. The wasteland may be a financial, physical, or spiritual problem. But no matter what, God is still doing a new thing in our lives. It is so good to know that we serve a God who can take that desert of negative thoughts and actions and do a new thing by showing us the way, because Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. It's so good to know that we serve a God who can take that wasteland of sickness, pain, and despair and do a new thing by making a stream in the desert with all of the blessings that He is pouring out from the windows of heaven.
I have been 'retired' now for seven and a half years. During this time I have been blessed with the opportunity to do so many things that I love. I have tutored, taught in a Christian school, served as a volunteer chaplain, taught in a seminary, served as a special education advocate, conducted workshops, and held offices in local as well as denominational groups. All of this while continuing to serve as an associate minister and preach and teach in various churches. Now I am in the midst of doing a new thing. The Holy Spirit has led me to close some familiar doors so that some new ones will open. I am not sure what is behind the next door, but I do know that the Lord is doing a new thing in my life. If He makes streams in the desert. then He can do a new thing in our lives.