Former things
by Annie Duarte
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‘Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind’ (Isaiah 65:17).
Imagine this scene: A church full of people. Beautiful music is playing. Flowers create a path on the floor. A bride enters the back of the church adorned in all the finest clothing and jewels. Her groom gets his first look at his wife-to-be, and he is stunned. Speechless. He might even shed a tear. Emotions are high. Love and joy are tangible to everyone in the room. People scramble to take pictures and videos because the whole thing is just breathtaking …
Now, what is the bride thinking of as she enters the room? Probably one hundred different things, but mostly, how overwhelmed she is to be joined together with the love of her life. But do you know one thing the bride most certainly is not thinking about? Her old boyfriends. She isn’t thinking about the first boy who broke her heart or the other one who was dishonest. She isn’t thinking of the heartache that accompanied the road to her husband. She isn’t dwelling on the tears she has cried. She is completely wrapped up in everything about this very moment as she makes her way down the aisle.
That is exactly how it will be when you enter the new creation. You will not remember the former things, nor will they come to mind! Hallelujah! Trauma, sorrow, heartache, loss, longing, loneliness … all of it will be swept away when you see Jesus face to face. That is not a fairytale. That is a promise. Let this promise strengthen you today. The Apostle Paul says it like this, ‘For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us’ (Romans 8:18). Suffering is a part of our present, but just wait until the full glory is revealed!
Father, all your plans for me are good. I can’t wait to see and experience everything that you have in store for your people. Strengthen me as I wait in expectation and persevere through adversity in this life. Amen.
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