Revelation 21:5
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new! Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:5)
Each year in March or April, everything wakes up after a quiet winter. The birds are singing, the bulbs planted in the fall are starting to bloom, new things are being planted, the grass is greener, and we want only to be outside enjoying it all. After a winter pause, the earth seems to be renewed and growing again. It is bursting with life!
Revelation 21 describes the future establishment of a new heaven and a new earth, where the holy city of New Jerusalem descends from God to dwell with humanity. It signifies the end of the old world after final judgment, a new beginning for believers, where God directly resides with his people, and a fulfillment of the promises made throughout the Bible.
Isaiah 40:31 speaks to restoration through a promise of renewed strength for those who trust in the Lord.
“… but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.”
By waiting on God, believers can exchange their exhaustion (weariness) for supernatural strength, allowing them to “mount up with wings like eagles,” a metaphor for overcoming challenges with resilience and endurance. This divine gift of renewal is rooted in hope and faith, not in our own power, leading to restored energy and a sense of purpose.
I’m a work in progress, how about you? My spiritual progress started the day I gave up control of my own life and asked Jesus to take the wheel. The process of renewal began — restoring my soul and drawing me into the presence of God through the sacrificial death of Jesus, the Son.
There are bumps, setbacks, and challenges along the way, but God never stops stretching and growing us. When we stay rooted in His presence and continue learning new things from Scripture, our spirits are renewed. His promise to “never leave or forsake us” reminds us that we always have a friend who loves us unconditionally. He grows His kingdom through us as we share his love, joy, peace, and comfort with others. We can be someone’s safe place, like Jesus is for us.
Deb Hill
EFCC Member