Welcoming the New SeasonIhe Atụ

New Wine and New Wineskin

The Bible says that there is a time and a season for everything. Meaning that there are always moments to embrace and to learn from. The days of mass quarantine due to the pandemic are now shifting into its next phase; a new way of living that is unlike the ones we were so accustomed to. The wheels of economics have to keep turning despite the battle against coronavirus. This new way of living is called the new normal. Surfacing this new season, Jesus once delivered an illustration that would help us all along the way.

“Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved,” (Matthew 9:17).

New wine doesn’t taste the same as the old wine. We might prefer the old wine instead, and there is nothing wrong with it, but the old wine has run out. So has the time and the season before COVID-19. Our only option is to learn to take delight in the new wine. Aside from that, new wine requires new wineskin to retain it for a period of time. New wine is not suitable for old wineskins, because the wine will burst the skin; the wine is lost and no one gets to drink it. 

The old and new wineskins differ in elasticity; its ability to resume its normal shape after being stretched or compressed. Wineskins signify a place or an organization where we work, do our business, or our activities. It could even be our church, having to adapt to the new season with new methods. We need to take the blame off of the situation and choose to change and adapt. Because our ability to adapt, or our elasticity, determines our success in embracing the new season.

Creativity stops when we are busy complaining. Remind yourselves at all times that God has bestowed His power to us through the Holy Spirit, so you are strong enough to go through all kinds of seasons. Tap into the strength from Him, tap into that dunamis, that power and capability to create new things.

Pray

Father in heaven, I give You thanks for Your never-ending goodness in my life. I need Your wisdom and I need the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discover ways and ideas that are creative and relevant for this new season. More than just continuing my daily activities, I look forward to creating innovations and gaining successes. Help me to adapt to what’s ahead of me. I believe in You, Holy Spirit. You will guide me, lead me, correct me, and empower me. Let my faith be strong, as I sincerely believe that You are always good to me. I know I will walk in victory with You as You use me to bless many people. In the name of Jesus, amen.