Our longing is satisfied when all things are made new

Who does not like new things? We all enjoy them, whether we admit it or not. I like a new appliance that has yet to be used, clean and crisp, without stains from cooking. Or a new car with that unique new car smell—honestly though I have never thought a new car smell is that great. We could go on about clothes, shoes, or toys, but you get the point. We long for things to be new.

The problem is that once we get something new, the newness immediately begins to fade. The shine wears off, and before long, it feels ordinary. Then the cycle starts again. A new version comes out, and we feel the pull toward the latest.

As Christ followers, this longing for newness runs deeper. It's a God-given desire to see all things made right. The Bible declares that we are ministers of reconciliation, appointed to see relationships restored and people reconciled to God. Yet the brokenness of sin touches this world, our own lives, and the lives of others. You and I are on an eternal journey, but our time on this earth is short—a vapor that soon vanishes. God sets eternity in our hearts, and by His grace, He uses the temporary to point us toward the future. Our longing for renewal is fully satisfied only in the promise that one day all things will be made new.

In Revelation 21, John writes: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.' And He who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.' Also, He said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'"

At Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina, we see brokenness every day. We long to see situations restored, lives redeemed, and the lost found. Imagine the day when God fulfills His promise—no more tears, no more pain, only joy in His presence! That is why we center all we do on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We need laborers to join in this work. Some may begin by joining our prayer team by visiting bchfamily.org/prayer. Others may feel the Spirit stirring a deeper call: to foster, to adopt, to serve as cottage parents, or step more fully into one of our many ministries.

Following Jesus means we don't simply wait for the day when He makes all things new—we live now as agents of His renewal. Every time we extend forgiveness, offer hospitality, or meet the needs of the vulnerable, we reveal the Kingdom to come. The Gospel is not only about our eternal future but also about God's power to redeem the broken pieces of our present lives. Whether comforting a hurting child, walking with a family in crisis, or sharing Christ with the forgotten, we join His story of restoration.

The newness we long for is not just ahead—it breaks into our world through Christ working in us today.

Yes, I want to see many join this mission, but even more, I long for each of us to take the next step of faith and pursue the Lord. God created us with eternity in our hearts. May He help us live in such a way that our actions declare we desire a better country—that is a heavenly one.

What is the LORD asking of you today?

Written By David Melber, Chief Executive Officer