Isaiah 43:19 ESV
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
It was difficult to see how God was working His purpose in our lives in 2020. We were thrown into a wilderness, which we thought would have no end in sight. Through it all God’s word remained true. Comfort took hold of me through Isaiah 43:19:
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Our God uses our respective “wildernesses” to dig deep wells of faith in our hearts. Reminding us that our trials are not permanent, but train us for a better tomorrow. The path less taken, to find His glory.
Here are three “field-notes” to fuel your steps and guide your purpose this year:
Look Ahead
“I am doing a new thing, now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
Sticking to your past will keep you stuck. Locked away from new things God has for you. New mercies, new grace, continued faithfulness. Jesus came to earth to fulfill prophetic words which still point us to the presence of God: a redeemer who will bring us out of pain and into purpose. Jesus Remains our ultimate “rescue plan.” Let this wilderness create a longing for our Savior. Christ is asking us today: “do you not perceive it?”
Walk It Out
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Often, when God makes a promise we worry about the details or the obstacles for the fulfillment of that promise. God replies to us: “Be still and know that I am God.” God promises that when we ask, He will show us what we need to know. Maybe not everything we want to know, but everything we need to know in order to glorify Him. The promise is simple, our stream in the wilderness is Christ. He is living water. Through Him, all things were made (John 1:3). Through Him, our steps are directed (Proverbs 3:5–6).
What You See is Not What You Get
God calls His people to trust in what is not yet seen. Though a desert is before them, He is preparing to send a river of deliverance. We can cling to the same promise. When we cannot see what the hand of God is doing, we can trust that He is working all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
If life has you discouraged today, Don’t resist the training grounds. Instead, take heart. God is always working. Cling to the promises in His word, and rest your life on them. Resolve them in this new year. His word will never return empty, and you can trust Him to fulfill His purpose through you, in you, and for you!
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