““Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. “Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18–19, NASB 95)

I have a friend who is in his early 80’s that is an inspiration to me. He inspires me because of his desire to be ever learning and growing in his faith.

So often in my life, I have encountered older people who are coasting. Their foot is off the gas or their tank has run empty and they are just waiting for the trip to end. Or, worse yet, they complain about their current situation and attempt to relive past experiences rather than live in the moment. Sadly, these things are often true of older Christians.

My friend is not like that, he is reading Scripture and finding fresh insights every day. He is also reading books that challenge him to think and wrestle with the issues of the day in light of Biblical revelation.

Sure, like all of us that are older, he enjoys sharing stories of his experiences (I really enjoy his stories), but he is not stuck in them, he lives as if the best is yet to come.

In the verses quoted above, Isaiah tells us that God is doing something new. My friend lives as if that is true.

And so should the rest of us.