Embracing the New Thing

1/1/2025

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
-Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

God’s invitation to “forget the former things” doesn’t mean we should erase our memories or dismiss the lessons we’ve learned. Instead, it’s a call to loosen our grip on the past so it doesn’t define or limit our future. Dwelling on what has already happened, whether good or bad,
can blind us to the new possibilities God is unfolding before us.

Consider the Israelites’ history: they had experienced both the miraculous deliverance from Egypt and the crushing consequences of their disobedience. Yet, in this moment, God calls them to focus not on what He has done in the past but on what He is about to do. The same God who parted the Red Sea promises to make a way in the wilderness. The same God who brought manna in the desert promises to bring streams in the wasteland.

This passage reminds us that God is not bound by old methods or past miracles. His creativity is limitless. What worked before may not be the way He works now. He is always moving, always creating, and always surprising us with new expressions of His faithfulness.

In our lives, the “former things” could be past hurts that have left us guarded, past failures that have left us discouraged, or even past victories that have left us complacent. If we focus too much on what is behind, we risk missing the new opportunities God is placing in front of us. His call is to trust Him, lean into His promises, and anticipate His transforming power.

When we trust God to do a new thing, we are saying, “Lord, I believe that Your plans for me are still unfolding. I believe that no matter what my current circumstances look like, You are at work, bringing life to barren places and purpose to every step of my journey.”

We often find ourselves chained to memories of what once was—both triumphs and failures. Our victories can make us complacent, while our wounds can keep us stuck in regret or bitterness. Yet, God’s message is clear: Do not dwell on the past. Why? Because He is always at work, creating new opportunities, healing brokenness, and leading us forward.

The imagery of a “way in the wilderness” and “streams in the wasteland” illustrates His transformative power. God is not limited by barren places or impossible circumstances. Where there is no path, He creates one. Where there is dryness, He provides life-giving water. This is the God we serve, a God who specializes in renewal.

Let this truth bring you hope: God is not done with you. Even in seasons of wilderness or dryness, He is preparing something new and beautiful. It is springing up—can you see it? Open your heart and let Him lead you into His new thing.

Here are three way to apply this to your life today.

1. Let Go of the Past: Take time today to release anything from your past that holds you back—whether it’s a failure, a hurt, or even a past success. Surrender it to God in prayer.

2. Look for the New Thing: Ask God to open your eyes to the new work He is doing in your life. What opportunities, relationships, or challenges might He be using to guide you into His purposes?

3. Trust His Provision: If you’re in a “wilderness” season, remember that God promises to make a way. Pray for streams of His provision to flow into the dry areas of your life.

Today, spend five minutes in quiet reflection, asking God to show you what “new thing” He is doing in your life. Write down any insights, and commit to stepping into His plans with faith.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God of new beginnings. Help me to release the past and fix my eyes on the new things You are doing in my life. Open my heart to see Your hand at work, even in the wilderness. Strengthen my faith to trust You to make a way where there seems to be none. Thank You for Your transformative power and endless grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Jeff

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