There’s something about the phrase “new normal” I just don’t like. I’m not sure why, but I just don’t. Maybe it’s because I’m not willing to accept things as they are now as “normal” or what. Personally I want something better — something better than normal.
When I think of “normal” I think of consistent, regular, common, routine, usual stuff — nothing un-usual. Yet, when I read about Jesus, He wasn’t exactly what we could classify as normal. He multiplied fishes and loaves to feed thousands with only a prayer; he healed all kinds of diseases in all kinds of people by all kinds of different ways; he had extraordinary wisdom to confound the
learned religious leaders, and even called for a dead man wrapped in grave clothes to walk out of his tomb! That’s not exactly what I think of as “normal” or “usual!”
However…I’d like to.
I’d like to think that we, as the church representing Jesus here on earth, could be regularly working these same miracles. I’d like to believe that we, endued with the same Spirit as Jesus, could walk in the same power and authority as He did. (Rom. 8:11) I’d like to see us, the church, become better in the coming days than in our old normal way of life.
Maybe we’ve been brought to this place so we won’t go back to our normal way of life. As it was in the case of 9/11, the world has changed because of Covid -19 and it’s for sure things aren’t the same as they were anymore.
Yet, there is part of me that wants to get complacent again. I liked my routines. I liked things the way they were. I was comfortable. It’s much easier to live in what I know than to change and move into something I don’t know. The unknown can be scary. But God’s been nudging me to “move forward” and I’ve been dragging my feet.
He’s calling me to get out of the boat; you know — to walk upon the water, take risks. People are hurting. People are afraid. People are anxious, depressed, and insecure. They need Jesus. They need the Jesus in me. (Gal. 2:20; Col.1:27)
I hear the phrase “new normal” and cringe. First because I’m rebelling against it, secondly because I feel the Lord pulling me by it. I really do want something better than normal. I want the church to be living and breathing – alive – in this world! I want to be walking in the Spirit, daily, being sensitive to everyone around me, listening for Jesus’ voice and direction, moving in miracles, signs and wonders! (Heb. 2:4) Yet, I know it will require sacrifices and risks on my part.
Nevertheless, here we are. So as I step out and risk moving forward, I’m confident His love will keep me safe. (Rom. 8:31) I can’t fail in Father’s eyes.
And I believe it’s gonna get better, my friend. Much better. Better than normal.
(By Cyndi)