Ordinary Time

Pause

Look! I am doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don't you recognize it? I'm making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness.

God (Isaiah 43:19)

Pause. Breathe. Let go. Make space. Behold. God is about to do a new thing. Can you see it?

Listen

You will say on that day: “I thank you, Lord. Though you were angry with me, your anger turned away and you comforted me. God is indeed my salvation; I will trust and won’t be afraid. Yah, the Lord, is my strength and my shield; he has become my salvation.”

Isaiah 12:1-2

Think

Have you ever felt abandoned by God? When my first child was born, I felt very alone. There were some complications and his life was in danger. I felt like God had left us alone to suffer. After he was born, I was angry with God. I wondered, “Where were you, God?”

Months later I had a lightbulb moment. I suddenly realized that God was right there in the middle of the mess with me. God was in the hands of the surgeon when she arrived at 2:00 am to help my child. God was there in the quiet but steady presence of my husband. God was there in each and every nurse who provided comfort and care.

It took a long time, but I was eventually able to sing, once again with confidence: “God is indeed my salvation. I will trust and won’t be afraid.” God is always there, strength and shield… even when I don’t see it at first.

Caela Simmons Wood

Pray

Holy One who dreams new dreams into our time, help me to sing confidently of your salvation. When you feel far away, help me to seek your presence in new ways. For I know that you are always with me, my strength and shield. Thank you. Amen.

Go

We make space for newness, and God does not disappoint. Our cup is filled to overflowing with new life, new hope, new love. God is doing a new thing in our midst.

Let us go forth to share what we have received this day.