The Possibility of New

I was driving across these Colorado Great Plains on December 31. Wide open vistas. Nothing but scrub and gentle hills as far as I could see.

I thought about the pioneers who came out here for a new start. I thought about the people who were here before the pioneers and how they look for new watering holes and new buffalo herds.

The openness gives a sense of opportunity.

But it can also feel vulnerable. There is no where to hide. No where to turn from the blazing sun or howling winds.

This sense of both danger and opportunity reminds me of the start of a new year. We have a chance to look at a fresh new calendar, with no distractions yet to hide behind. But it can feel vulnerable when we are overwhelmed with things to do or try.

All this 'newness' made me think about the new churches Paul was writing to in the New Testament of the Bible. These groups of new Christians were facing wide open opportunity, and often felt vulnerable along the way. In Ephesians 5:8-10, Paul writes,

You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You're out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true - these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it.

The good, the right, the true. Pleasing Christ. Do it.

I think this is a good direction for us to go when faced with the wide open opportunities God gives us in a new year with a new start. Pick something that makes Jesus smile. Go do it. We may feel lonely as we set out on something new, but Jesus is walking right beside us, protecting and encouraging us with every step.

What is the new space you are facing this year? Ask Jesus for some ideas, and step out in courage and faith. Have a super New Year!

Pastor Anna-Lisa Hunter

January 10, 2022