Chaplain's Message

I borrowed this from a friend’s church newsletter. As we celebrate Harmony Week and the thought-provoking nature of Lent as the run up to Easter, a check in of our attitudes can only be a good thing!

The village vicar couldn’t sleep. As World War II raged, he’d told a small group of soldiers they couldn’t bury their fallen comrade inside the fenced cemetery next to his church. Only burials for church members were allowed. So, the men buried their friend just outside the fence. The next morning, however, the soldiers couldn’t find the grave.

“What’s happened? The grave is gone”’ one soldier told the reverend. “Oh, it’s still there” he told him. The soldier was confused, so the churchman explained. “I regretted telling you no. So, last night I got up – and I moved the fence.”

God may give fresh perspective to our life’s challenges too - if we look for it. That was Isaiah’s message to the downtrodden people of Israel. Instead of looking back with longing at their Red Sea rescue, they needed to shift their sight, seeing God doing new miracles, blazing new paths.

“Do not dwell on the past,” he urged them. “See, I am doing a new thing.” (Isiaih 43: 18,19) He’s our source of hope during doubts and battles. 

“I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, providing drink to my people”.

Refreshed with new vision, we too can see God’s fresh direction in our lives. May we look with new eyes to see His new paths. Then with courage, may we step onto new ground, bravely following Him.

What new thing would God like to accomplish in your life? What new ground has God led you to and what will you do with it?

Merciful God, thank you for providing fresh perspective for my life – create in me a clean heart, and restore a righteous spirit with in me.

Pastor Sarah Pollitt

College Chaplian