Embracing God’s New Beginnings
01/01/2026
“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)
In the middle of life’s trials and triumphs, it’s easy to get anchored in what has been…..the regrets, the failures, the heartaches that linger like shadows. But here in Isaiah, God speaks a powerful word of hope to His people, who were weary from exile and longing for restoration. He urges them, and us, to release the grip on the past. “Forget the former things,” He says, not to erase our history, but to free us from its chains so we can turn our eyes to the horizon where He is at work.
Imagine standing in a barren wilderness, parched and directionless. That’s often where we find ourselves spiritually. Stuck in routines, burdened by old wounds, or fearful of change. Yet God declares, “I am doing a new thing!” It’s happening right now, springing up like fresh growth after a long winter. He promises to carve paths through impossible terrains and bring life-giving streams to our dry places. This isn’t just poetic imagery; it’s God’s active intervention in our lives.
Whether you’re facing a career shift, a broken relationship, or a season of uncertainty, He is the Master Creator, turning desolation into abundance. As believers, we’re called to perceive this new work. It requires faith to see beyond the visible, to trust that God’s plans are unfolding even when the ground feels shaky.
Let this verse remind you: Your story isn’t defined by yesterday’s chapters. God is authoring a fresh narrative, one filled with purpose and provision. Lean into His promise today, and watch as He transforms your wilderness into a place of flourishing.
Action Steps:
1. Reflect on one “former thing” from your past that’s holding you back. Write it down and prayerfully release it to God.
2. Spend time in nature or a quiet space, asking God to reveal the “new thing” He’s doing in your life.
3. Share this verse with someone who’s struggling, encouraging them with your own testimony of God’s faithfulness.
4. Journal about areas in your life that feel like a “wasteland” and declare God’s promise over them.
Today’s Challenge:
Today, intentionally step out of an old habit or routine that’s no longer serving you. Replace it with something new that aligns with God’s direction. Perhaps starting a gratitude list or reaching out to reconnect with a loved one and notice how God begins to make a way.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unwavering promise to do new things in our lives. Help us to forget the former things that weigh us down and to perceive the fresh work You’re doing even now. Make paths in our wildernesses and streams in our wastelands. Give us eyes of faith to see Your hand at work, and courage to embrace the changes You bring. May we walk in Your renewal today and always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“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)
In the middle of life’s trials and triumphs, it’s easy to get anchored in what has been…..the regrets, the failures, the heartaches that linger like shadows. But here in Isaiah, God speaks a powerful word of hope to His people, who were weary from exile and longing for restoration. He urges them, and us, to release the grip on the past. “Forget the former things,” He says, not to erase our history, but to free us from its chains so we can turn our eyes to the horizon where He is at work.
Imagine standing in a barren wilderness, parched and directionless. That’s often where we find ourselves spiritually. Stuck in routines, burdened by old wounds, or fearful of change. Yet God declares, “I am doing a new thing!” It’s happening right now, springing up like fresh growth after a long winter. He promises to carve paths through impossible terrains and bring life-giving streams to our dry places. This isn’t just poetic imagery; it’s God’s active intervention in our lives.
Whether you’re facing a career shift, a broken relationship, or a season of uncertainty, He is the Master Creator, turning desolation into abundance. As believers, we’re called to perceive this new work. It requires faith to see beyond the visible, to trust that God’s plans are unfolding even when the ground feels shaky.
Let this verse remind you: Your story isn’t defined by yesterday’s chapters. God is authoring a fresh narrative, one filled with purpose and provision. Lean into His promise today, and watch as He transforms your wilderness into a place of flourishing.
Action Steps:
1. Reflect on one “former thing” from your past that’s holding you back. Write it down and prayerfully release it to God.
2. Spend time in nature or a quiet space, asking God to reveal the “new thing” He’s doing in your life.
3. Share this verse with someone who’s struggling, encouraging them with your own testimony of God’s faithfulness.
4. Journal about areas in your life that feel like a “wasteland” and declare God’s promise over them.
Today’s Challenge:
Today, intentionally step out of an old habit or routine that’s no longer serving you. Replace it with something new that aligns with God’s direction. Perhaps starting a gratitude list or reaching out to reconnect with a loved one and notice how God begins to make a way.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unwavering promise to do new things in our lives. Help us to forget the former things that weigh us down and to perceive the fresh work You’re doing even now. Make paths in our wildernesses and streams in our wastelands. Give us eyes of faith to see Your hand at work, and courage to embrace the changes You bring. May we walk in Your renewal today and always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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