Isaiah 43:18-19: 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?
Welcome to 2023! There was a time when I thought the year 2000 was so far away. And here is 2023! Amazing! When I look back from my birth year until now, so much has changed. Changes in technology, medical advancements and the way students learn (in person as well as remotely), and how AAA charges a car battery, to name just a few examples.
The way we worship has also changed. I remember heated discussions around drums and guitars in the church sanctuary. Yes, I am that old. And today how flexible churches have become with technology. Being able to share God’s word of hope found in Jesus Christ through live streaming, Zoom, and the pre-recording of services. Sharing of the Good News and making connections locally, regionally and globally.
Change is hard. Yet, the prophet Isaiah give us God’s word: 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?
We can become so caught up in the past that we miss what God is doing.
We long to “go back to normal” that we miss what God is doing.
We don’t want to change so we miss what God is doing.
God is doing something new every day. Let us ask ourselves the following questions:
- Are my eyes, ears and heart open and ready to perceive what new thing God is doing?
- In order for me to see what new thing God is doing, how am I faithful and obedient to God’s leading in my life?
- Am I sensitive to the nudging of the Holy Spirit?
- Am I loving God with my heart, mind soul and strength?
- Am I loving my neighbor?
In order to be faithful and obedient to God’s leading in our lives, I challenge us through February 28th, 2023 to pray John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer daily. My prayer is that this will lead us to perceiving and seeing and hearing what new thing God is doing!
Wesley’s Covenant Prayer:
(Traditional Version)
“I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee,
exalted for thee or brought low for thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things
to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.”
A Covenant Prayer in the Wesleyan Tradition
(Contemporary Version)
I am no longer my own, but yours.
Put me to what you will, place me with whom you will.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be put to work for you or set aside for you,
Praised for you or criticized for you.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and fully surrender all things to your glory and service.
And now, O wonderful and holy God,
Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer,
you are mine, and I am yours.
So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
Let it also be made in heaven. Amen.
The prophet Isaiah gives us God’s word: 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?
With grace, joy and peace,
Suzanne
PS: I am excited to hear from you what new thing God is doing in your life, in ministry, in your neighborhood in this new year of 2023!
1/5/23