Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. Behold, I do a new thing! Now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” Isaiah 43:18-19

Many of us if we are honest with ourselves would admit that we have areas in our lives where we are dissatisfied; made promises we haven’t kept; or experienced failures and set backs. The beauty of Isaiah’s words in this passage are quite simple-”It’s not over until God says it’s over” and “God is more interested in your future than your past.”

In this narrative Israel is being held captive in Babylon and at their lowest point. They are not just discouraged, but fully defeated, deflated, and depressed. At this low point, God sends a word through prophet Isaiah because God knew that His people needed some reassurance. Several truths that give us hope for today from this passage are:

 Put the Past Behind You
The prophet tells Israel two things they need to do in verse 18. First, they must forget the former things—the miracles, signs, and wonders of yesterday. The Israelites focused so much on what God did yesterday that they did not believe what God wanted to do for them today. Too often, we continue to look to the past victories that we fail to see what God desires to do in the future.

 Do Not Dwell on the Past
The second truth Isaiah taught was not to dwell on past mistakes. Their forefathers has rebelled against Moses at Mount Sinai; failed to believe God to provide food and water in the wilderness; and failed to seize the opportunity to conquer the Promise Land. The keys to dealing with mistakes is recognizing them, learning from them and moving on.

A wise proverb says, “If you are looking behind you, you cannot see where you are going”. Whatever your past may be whether it is regrets, mistakes, and failures, ask God to help you forget it and put it behind you. Perhaps, you have some regrets in 2018. Don’t dwell on them, but ask God to forgive you and move ahead in 2019 with victory.

 Trust God’s Path Before You In verse 19 the Lord days, “ I am doing something new”. Notice, it is God who does the new work and continues to do the work. While God blessed Israel in their past, He assured them He would do something new and fresh in their future. Sometimes, it may not seem like God is working in our lives, but it doesn’t mean He is not.

Isaiah said it would “spring up” like a blade of grass coming up out of the ground or the opening of a flower. Be watchful and ready for the new things God has for you in 2019. Those things will suddenly spring forth.

One of the things God says He will do is to make a road through the wilderness. The wilderness is untamed, uncharted territory and making a road through it is extremely difficult. God promises to make a path or a road so you can follow Him through the wilderness. You see, God can do the impossible in extremely difficult things. What God is about to do for you and Life Church is more wonderful than He did before.

A second new thing God will do is make a river in the desert. Deserts are dry and desolate places. Perhaps, you feel your life is dry, barren, and not growing. Be encouraged because God is doing a something new. He can make a stream of water flow in you and transform your barrenness into fields of blessings and abundance.

Throughout this year individually and corporate, let us be watchful and ready for the new things God will do in 2019. God wants to give you an abundant life in Christ. Let us not settle for mediocrity. Thirst for the new roads and rivers God has and delight in Him! Until then, let us continue…

Seeking God For New Things!

Pastor Terry & Tina Richardson