So, my friend Rich Dixon is helping me out here, with posts that come just at the right time and just with the right challenge for me. Here’s the latest:

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When will life get back to normal?

Maybe you’ve heard – or asked – that question recently?

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Pastor friends often remark that whatever they say during a wedding ceremony is intended for the guests, because bride and groom likely aren’t listening. But when Becky and I were married, a dear friend performed the ceremony. He promised us a message aimed directly at us.

There’s a long backstory about why these verses were particularly meaningful.

“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?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
(Isaiah 43:18-19)

As I’ve thought about this scripture, I notice that God’s promise of “a new thing” comes with a question.

“Do you not perceive it?”

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I’m so anxious for everything to “return” to normal, to “go back” to the way it was. When I had at least the illusion of being in control.

What if God’s saying, “Do not dwell on the past”?

What if He’s doing something new and amazing? What if the seeds of His new thing are sprouting around us, right now, in the midst of the chaos?

What if we’re so anxious and frightened that we just can’t see it?

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Jesus, it’s hard. It’s hard because the old way seemed comfortable and there’s so much that’s scary about this unknown future.

Help me to not cling to old stuff. The anxiety about health, finances, and relationships…it’s all real, and it’s hard. Help me to face and deal with those issues without being trapped by them.

And Jesus, help me to trust. I believe you’re doing a new thing.

Help me perceive it.

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Learn more about, and support, Freedom Tour, the ride that Becky and Rich lead.