Today, we are invited to step into a world of hope, faith, and transformation. The readings touch on a deep truth: in life, things often don’t go as planned. We encounter struggles, disappointments, even suffering. And at times, it feels like we’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of waiting for things to change. We might even wonder if anything will ever get better.
But today’s scriptures offer us a different perspective. They ask us to see beyond our current circumstances and trust that God is always working, even when we don’t see it. They invite us to believe in a higher vision—one of healing, renewal, and restoration.
Let’s start with the prophet Isaiah. Imagine for a moment, you’re one of the Israelites in exile, far from your home, your family, and your faith. You’ve lived through pain, loss, and despair. The world seems dark, and the future uncertain. And then, into this darkness, God speaks. He promises a “new heaven and a new earth.” He assures the people that the old order of things—pain, suffering, sorrow—will pass away.
For the Israelites, this was more than just a promise; it was hope. And not just for them, but for all of us. God was telling them, and telling us, that no matter how bad things get, no matter how deep the darkness, God’s vision of restoration is stronger. There is always the possibility of a new beginning, even when we can’t see it.
God promises to make all things new—often in ways we don’t expect. And that’s the challenge we face: do we trust in that promise, even when we can’t see the change happening before us? It’s not always easy. We want things fixed now, on our terms, and in our timeline. But God’s work of restoration is patient, and His promise is sure.
Now, let’s turn to the Gospel. Picture the scene: a royal official, desperate and desperate for his son’s healing, journeys to Jesus. His son is dying, and the father’s heart is heavy with worry. He must have been exhausted from the long journey, but he finds Jesus and pleads for His help. Jesus, instead of rushing to the boy’s side, simply speaks, “Go; your son will live.”
Can you feel the tension here? The royal official might have wanted something dramatic—perhaps a grand miracle with crowds watching, a flash of power to give him immediate relief. But instead, Jesus gives him a simple word of assurance. “Your son will live.”
And the official believed Him.
This is where the story takes a powerful turn. Faith, as we learn, isn’t about seeing the immediate result of our prayers or demands. Faith is about trusting God even when we don’t see the outcome. This royal official didn’t get a grand miracle on the spot, but he trusted Jesus’ word, and because of his faith, his son was healed.
This story, if we let it sink in, teaches us about the nature of faith. It’s not about demanding answers right away. It’s about trusting that God is at work, even when things seem unclear. Sometimes, the change is slow. Sometimes, it’s quiet. But it’s happening. We don’t always need to see the whole picture to believe that God is working in our lives.
Think about your own life. What are the areas where you feel stuck? Where do you need healing, renewal, or hope? Lent is the perfect time to take a deep breath and trust that God is at work—even in places where you might feel hopeless. Maybe you’re waiting for something big to change, and it hasn’t happened yet. Maybe you’re struggling to see how God is working. But just as the royal official trusted Jesus’ word, we are invited to trust in God’s promise that He is healing, renewing, and transforming us.
Lent is not just about giving up chocolate or trying to be better. It’s about transformation. It’s about allowing God to make all things new—especially the parts of ourselves that we might have given up on. And like the royal official, we need to trust in God’s word, even when we can’t immediately see the fruits of our prayers.
So as we journey through this Lenten season, let’s take heart in God’s promises. He’s not distant. He’s here, present in every moment. He’s working in the unseen, making all things new, even now. Whether it’s in the quiet of our hearts or the depth of our struggles, God is healing, restoring, and transforming us.
Let’s hold onto that truth: God is at work. He is faithful. And He’s bringing about the new heaven and the new earth, one small step at a time. So let’s trust in His word—because, like the royal official, when we do, we’ll see His power at work in our lives, even when we don’t expect it.
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