A NEW THING

"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 43:19

It's the final day of January! Yay! Let's rejoice as we've successfully reached the end of the month, a true accomplishment that not everyone can claim. It's a wonderful blessing that we should be grateful for.

It is often said that January feels like the lengthiest and slowest month, and I wholeheartedly agree. I am going to be curious for just a little bit, how was your January? (actively listening, lol) Mine consisted of a combination of positive moments and a few instances of sadness. This month marked the first trip hubby, and I took together to commemorate his birthday. It was an incredible experience that allowed us to deepen our connection and also spend quality time with his family.

I shared numerous enjoyable moments, including celebrating my brother's birthday despite the physical distance between us. However, my father's birthday evoked a mixture of emotions and moments of sorrow. Nevertheless, I found comfort in launching the scholarship that I initiated in his honor. The response and feedback have been overwhelmingly positive, and I am proud to announce that we have already received four applications from three different countries. This fills me with immense joy, as it signifies that the scholarship is already making a meaningful impact and will continue to do so in the future.

Change, no matter how big or small, always leads to many different outcomes. It can disrupt the way things are done, question what is considered normal, and open up new possibilities. Whether it's a small change in daily habits or a huge transformation, the impact of change spreads across different areas of life. Throughout this month, I have witnessed a whirlwind of transformations, both in my own life and in the lives of those closest to me. It has been a period filled with exciting shifts and unexpected developments, leaving me in awe of the ever-changing nature of our existence. It is through change that we discover our true potential, unlock new possibilities, and embark on a journey of personal growth and transformation.

Why am I speaking about change? I have noticed that whenever God is about to do something new in our lives, it either serves as a catalyst for change or requires us to initiate change ourselves. One of my greatest hopes for this year is to avoid the hardships I faced in 2023. But let me emphasize that seeking favors from God or making demands frequently results in notable consequences, as many of you reading this blog can attest to. I have been pleading with God for something new, something that will shake up my life and take me out of my comfort zone. While I had to wait for some time, He indeed replied and presented me with the chance of a lifetime. An opportunity to grow, evolve, and embark on the path towards reaching my ultimate aspirations. However, the answered prayer arrived unexpectedly, leaving me unprepared and demanding changes to the plans I had already made for the year.

I had to accept that I was stepping into a new season and that changes were necessary for the current work of God in my life. I stumbled upon Isaiah 43:19 as I was scrolling through social media, strangely feeling overwhelmed by various concerns at that moment. I have a tendency to dislike unexpected changes, and when I read the verse, I paused and wondered, "Who has been divulging my personal matters to Instagram?" We often request things without adequately preparing ourselves for their arrival. However, when these things finally come, and we should be grateful, we instead find ourselves feeling overwhelmed. What caught my attention in that verse was the question, "do you not perceive it?"

This question, posed by God to the people of Israel, struck me with its profound significance and relevance even in our present lives. n this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites, reminding them of His power and ability to bring about new things. He declares that He is doing a new thing, something unprecedented and extraordinary. This question implies that God's work is not always immediately apparent or easily recognizable. It suggests that sometimes, we may be so caught up in our own limited perspectives, doubts, or preconceived notions that we fail to perceive the new things that God is doing in our lives. It challenges us to open our eyes, broaden our understanding, and seek God's presence and work in the midst of our circumstances. I was completely engrossed in the fact that although this was exactly what I had requested, it took me by surprise and made me uneasy due to the changes I had to make.

Here I was struggling to see the bigger picture or understand why certain things were happening. Perhaps you can also understand, what I've had to constantly remind myself is that we might encounter obstacles, setbacks, or unforeseen changes that make us feel perplexed or discouraged. Nevertheless, this verse serves as a reminder that God is continuously active, bringing forth fresh opportunities, bringing about new things and orchestrating His plans for our lives. Therefore, when we find ourselves in such moments of uncertainty or doubt, we can reflect on this question from Isaiah 43:19: "can you not see it?" It serves as a gentle reminder to shift our focus from our own limited perspectives to God's infinite wisdom and power. It encourages us to trust in His timing and purpose, even when we cannot fully comprehend or see the new things He is doing.

Ultimately, this passage invites us to cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence and work in our lives. It challenges us to open our eyes, hearts, and minds to perceive the new things that God is bringing forth. By doing so, we can experience a renewed sense of hope, faith, and purpose as we journey through life, knowing that God is always at work, even when we cannot see it.

I hope this blog has brought you inspiration today, and until next time.

With affection,

SJ