God always desires and intends for us life, happiness, joy, prosperity, and a bright future. Unfortunately, humans get in the way - we mess things up by negative behaviour and sin. God is not the author of suffering and misery; these are human creations. Isaiah assures his followers that God intends to remake everything - all will be new. The past will be forgotten and not called to mind - it will be a time to begin anew. We always have that opportunity, either as an individual or a group, to make a fresh beginning. It means letting go of the past, forgiving self and others, and setting out on a new path - God's path.

The fearful royal official wanted Jesus to heal his son. Jesus marvelled that people always want signs and proofs before they believe. The man persisted, and Jesus granted his request. The man trusted in Jesus' word, and when he returned home, it was as Jesus said. So often we want proofs because we don't want to be hurt or disappointed. But Jesus calls us to faith, which is radical trust, and then the miracles can begin! Without faith, even God finds it difficult to work on our behalf. Let us put aside negative thinking, the sort of thinking that blocks out love and locks us up inside ourselves. We too can believe the word of Jesus and be healed.