It is so easy to dwell in the past, especially with all of its hurts and tragedies. Individual people as well as nations do it. Old grudges and hatreds can be cherished and nursed, and bitterness mixed with self-pity can find a home in our hearts. But that is not God's way, for God intends newness and a joyful future. The beautiful passage from Isaiah, which will be reflected in the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, insists that God creates everything anew, wiping away tears and offering us joy and happiness. Don't look back, live in the present and future, for that is where God dwells. Can we let go of our past and accept God's gift?

Faith is not belief in particular doctrines or creeds. Faith is trust - absolute trust. We say we believe in God or in Jesus, but do we believe them and what they promise us? The royal official in the Gospel passage trusted in what Jesus told him, thereby making it possible for the miracle to happen. Not only was his son healed, but he and his family were welcomed into the household of faith. We often wish for miracles, but we want to see the signs, we want proof. The absolute trust must come first. Do we make it easy or difficult for God to do things for us? Let us not only believe in God, but believe God and what he promises us.