Our Creator wants us to see what He is doing. When He asks “Do you not perceive it?” I don’t think He says it with a tone to make us feel stupid. I think he is excited and wants us to look more carefully. That’s because things are not always as clear as we like.
Isaiah 43:18 “Remember not the former things,
nor consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I am doing 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.
Perception is more than a surface look. It implies understanding. I know God is doing a new thing, largely because the way things used to work aren’t working very well any more. It takes much more effort to do the old things, yet at the same time I have not yet mastered the skills of the new way.
The ‘rules’ are changing and I need to adapt along the way.
For example: I’ve known for a few years I would eventually sell my house. I just did not know when God’s time was. After my brother & I sold my mom’s place God confirmed to me that my house was next. I worked really hard for 2 months and put it on the market and immediately left for a “surprise” ministry trip that proved to be completely in God’s timing.
While I was away, I sold the house…for what turned out to be the first of 4 times! My old perception saw ridiculous requirements and delays. But, as I began to ask Abba, “What are You doing!?!” (I admit, not always with the best attitude) I began to see basic things like the place I believe Abba wants me to move to is not ready for me yet. I also am learning a lot about myself and learning new practical skills I never thought I might ever need before.
I am also learning to ask much sooner: Abba, what am I missing? I know your intentions for me are good so, please open my eyes so I can see you at work. Show me how your ways are higher than my ways.
And I’m learning that when He says, “I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” I attempt to de-clutter my mind and spirit so I can see…and hear…and understand, at least a bit better how our Creator wants me to follow my destiny and how my destiny ultimately fits perfectly into His will on earth.
Can you identify a thing or two in your life or circumstances that you find challenging to understand? Keep that in mind and join me in a prayer:
Abba, HELP! I’m frustrated in my attempts to approach this in the old ways. I know You are doing a lot of new things and I am not understanding this as well as I would like. Open the eyes of my heart to trust you, to see what you are doing in me and through these circumstances. And when it takes me a while, please give me patience with those around me and with “me, myself and I” who all desire to be at rest in the center of your will. Amen
*Can you see the large bird through the leaves?;-} It’s head pops up above one branch with it’s body perched on a lower one.
