God's New Thing
"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 desert and streams in the wasteland." - Isaiah 43:18-19
God's "New Thing"
It's been a tough fall. As our staff met together in September, we realized we had a lot of pressing realities, some full of joy (new babies, kids starting new schools, etc), some full of sorrow (personal struggles, family illnesses, etc.) and that we were heading into what would have to be a season of change. While there has still been a lot of joy and victory these past few months, there have also been times full of questions and struggles. As we finish out 2009, our staff has committed to 30 days of prayer together, to seek God's direction and provision as we head into a new year (and a new decade!). It's been an encouragement to come together daily to pray, and God has been using it to change my perspective on this season we are in. My natural inclination is to dwell on the past, and think of 'the good old days', but through this time of prayer, and reading scripture, I've been brought to a place of anticipation and excitement, eagerly anticipating what it is that God is doing. We have been praying in anticipation of God's movement for the funding needs of our ministry, the potential of a new ministry house, and life direction of many of our staff. While at times it feels like we are in the desert, I have been taking comfort in knowing God is at work, and we are on the brink of something new.
Great is Thy Faithfulness
One thing I have been continually amazed at this year is God's provision for my every need - materially, emotionally, and spiritually. I needed a car - God provided a free one. I needed a bible study - God provided a wonderful group of women with abundant wisdom. When dear friends and confidants moved from Boston, God provided new people to share in the ups and downs of ministry. As 2009 draws to a close, I stand in awe of a God who knows my every need, and provides, and say "Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord!"
