| Monday, April 4 |
Revelation 21:5 |
And the one who was seated on the throne said, "See, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true."
THE JOURNEY TO NEWNESS
God says, "I am making all things new." My impatience wants "new" to be now. My impatience causes me to occasionally doubt that God is making all things new. Too much of the time I feel discouraged and disappointed. I want God to change things now — to the way I want things to be. I know that God’s will may not be my want. I know that God’s time may not be my time. And, I admit to being impatient.
In these last weeks of Lent, as we continue to prepare our hearts and minds and souls for the Three Days and Easter, I am focusing on "trustworthy and true." God’s words are trustworthy. God’s words are true. God is at work in each of us — in each of God’s children.
Grason is from Kenya. I have been sponsoring his schooling through Compassion International since 2011. We write one another four to five times a year and share about our families and our experiences in very different countries. Grason lives in a village with his family of four children, mother, aunt and uncle, and grandfather. In addition to attending school, Grason loves to farm with his family. The pandemic is a very real concern for Grason and his family and friends. He expresses great love of God and shares that love with me. He attributes his family’s good fortune through this pandemic to God.
And I am impatient. Grason is grateful, and I am impatient.
I have concentrated on letting God be God during Lent. A friend gave me a metallic sign that I have posted in our bedroom that says, "Be still and know that I am God." I see it several times a day and, more often than not, my impatience is quieted by my silence as God works. God is making me new each day and instilling in me patience, love and hope.
So, what did I "give up" for Lent? Impatience — or at least I am on this journey. With the help of God and friends that God has placed in my life — including Grason — I am finding peace and joy every day. I am on a journey, trusting God’s word. The journey hits bumps, but God is faithful and trustworthy. And the journey — well, it is wonderful!
Good and gracious God, thank you for your Word, for your constant presence, for your forgiveness, for your joy. Amen
Anita Dorf
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