A Closer Look
Mike C. Bertoglio (Georgia, USA)




TODAY'S READING
Isaiah 43:19-23


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
God’s creative power is at work — even when I can’t immediately see it.


PRAYER FOCUS
Gratitude for God’s work in my life






See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. - Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)

I followed signs to a sunflower field, expecting to see a multitude of flowers in full bloom. But what I found was a huge collection of dead and blackened stumps.

Though at first put off by the starkness of the place, I stood still and studied the scene. I heard many bird sounds and saw a Carolina wren darting in and out of the stalks, searching for seeds. A couple of little yellow birds — goldfinches perhaps — darted past me. Other birds I could not identify were also there along with several monarch butterflies fluttering about. And I saw several wild, blue morning glories winding up the dead stalks of the sunflowers. The site that seemed dead at first glance was teeming with life.

The words of Isaiah came to mind: “I am doing a new thing. . . . Do you not perceive it?” God is working in places that may seem dry and dead. We may look around us and not immediately see any signs of new life. Yet when we take a closer look, life surprises us. God’s creative power will never disappoint.



TODAY'S PRAYER
Creator and Sustainer, thank you for your ongoing creative power that brings new life to the world. Amen.