Greater Things are Still to Come
Many years ago, my wife had to get a new phone. But she didn’t actually want a new phone. She liked the ‘clicky’ button instead of the haptic feedback. But when her old phone got waterlogged, she didn’t have a choice.
For most of us, it’s fun to get a new device. The faster processor, more memory, better quality camera, and other new features are very appealing.
However, there is a downside to having to learn something new when you are comfortable and familiar with the old.
The past few years have brought a lot of changes to our country and to the world. Ever since the coronavirus erupted on the scene almost 6 years ago, it seems like our world has been in chaos—increasing political tension, destructive natural disasters, more mass shootings, intense racial unrest, and prolonged economic uncertainty. Bad news keeps coming.
During these times, the words of Solomon have brought me comfort and reassurance: “There is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9c, NIV).
There is nothing that God has not anticipated or seen coming. Nothing He can’t handle. And it’s true: throughout history, humanity has navigated and survived similar situations to what we are facing today.
But, as I once heard a pastor say, are we going to listen to Solomon on his worst day and receive that as the final word on “new”? Ecclesiastes is God’s Word and is therefore true. At the same time, God has more to say about the concept of new things.
In Isaiah, the Lord said, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43: 18-19a, NIV)
There is so much that God is—or will be—making new.
For believers,
The Lord has given us a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26).
He established a new covenant in Christ (Hebrews 8:8-13) and has made us ministers of that new covenant (2 Corinthians 3:6).
We are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), and we have a new name (Isaiah 62:2).
His Spirit inside of us enables us to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4) and serve in the new way of the Spirit (Romans 7:6).
Eventually, God will make a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13)!
Unlike in our world, where “new” can mean better or worse circumstances, in doing a new thing, the Lord always has greater things in store in us and for us.
Jesus said “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father… And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth (John 14:12 & 16, ESV).
A song we sing in church has these lyrics: “If I’m not dead, then You’re not done. Greater things are still to come” (“My Testimony” by Elevation Worship). If you listen to the whole song (which I’d highly recommend!), you’ll notice that it’s all about what Jesus has already accomplished.
What’s our role? Believe, then testify and act.
So friends, if you’re reading this, let me remind you: God is not finished with you!
As we step into the new year, consider what new thing God might be doing in you right now. What new thing does He want to accomplish in you or through you in 2026?
For those of us who are in Christ, greater things are still to come.
Happy New Year!