Scripture: Isaiah 43:16-21 (NRSV)
DEVOTIONAL:
My husband and I have been riding a tandem bicycle for the past six years. It is a delicate balance of holding on and letting go. Since I choose to ride on the back, one of the things I have to do is give up control and trust him to steer the bicycle and apply the brakes at appropriate times. We are both constantly aware of our surroundings. We try to be as visible as possible by wearing very bright clothing, having blinking lights on the bike and practicing safe bike etiquette. In spite of all these safety measures, we have had several close calls. We are alert to the fact that bikers are injured or killed every year because drivers didn’t see them.
How can you not see something that is right in front of you? In the Scripture for today, we are urged to look, REALLY look for God in unexpected places and in new ways. We are also challenged to let go of those things that hinder us from seeing what God is doing (v. 19-20).
To see how alert you are, take this one-minute awareness test: httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahg6qcgoay4
PRAYER:
God of mystery and surprise,
Today I will let go of being stuck in the past,
I will hold on to the knowledge that you are doing new things,
I will anticipate finding you in unexpected people and places
And release you from the box I so often put you into.
Scripture: Isaiah 43:16-21 (NRSV)
Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, 17who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: 18Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. 19I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. 20The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, 21the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.