God's Do-Over

As I read the story of the flood, I recognize both God’s judgment on the evil in the world, and I also see the grace and power of God to bring renewal and repopulation of the earth. Listen to the interaction between God and Noah following the flood:
“Now be fruitful and multiply, and repopulate the earth.” Then God told Noah and his sons, “I hereby confirm my covenant with you and your descendants, and with all the animals that were on the boat with you—the birds, the livestock, and all the wild animals—every living creature on earth. Yes, I am confirming my covenant with you. Never again will floodwaters kill all living creatures; never again will a flood destroy the earth.” Genesis 9:7-11 NLT

Some of us have that tendency to get down, to get inward focused and discouraged by past mistakes and/or even past failures. If we are not careful, we can find ourselves stuck in a funk. I know firsthand that this is a dangerous place to be. That is why I received so much encouragement from the following passage found in Isaiah which reminded me and hopefully some of you as well to … Not Dwell on the Past!!

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV

I am grateful that God gave Noah and his family a “do-over” and I am glad that God continues to provide ‘do-overs” for those who will not dwell on the past, but are willing to trust God’s plan to make all things new!