God works his best when he renews that which is falling apart.

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And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Revelation 21:3-5 English Standard Version

Shrine Pass, Colorado

There is a story behind this structure that stood some five miles outside of Red Cliff, Colorado on the road to Shrine Pass, but does anyone know what that story was? There is a good chance that this story has disappeared along with the slowly decaying hut. Was it a home or weekend get away? Who lived here and what was their story? Obviously there are more questions than answers to the tale of this building.

However, there is no question about what has happened to this structure. The snow, rain, sun and wind have been doing their job in slowly, but systematically, eradicating this structure. As the structure continues its journey to dust, the plants are thriving. Something new is replacing the old.

The apostle John heard God declare from his throne, “Behold, I am making all things new.” It’s interesting that John hears God’s voice after he heard another voice which promised the day of final victory when every tear is wiped away and death is no more. With the vision of God’s promise, he is assured that even now God is making all things new. We’re not merely waiting until Christ returns to experience life.

Often it appears that our lives are decaying like this building, yet in the midst of that decay God is making everything new. He is molding and shaping us this side of eternity in preparation for the amazing gift he has already guaranteed us in Christ.

The hope we have in Christ is rooted in two promises: The promise that one day God will destroy the enemy of death, and the promise that today God is renewing our lives. And we know that God keeps his promises.

Copyright Douglas P. Brauner