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August 11, 2017 |
“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)
“I’ve really blown it this time,” Melany confessed through teary eyes and trembling lips. I placed my arm around her shoulders and drew her close to my side.
“My mom will never forgive me,” she continued.
“Your mom may be upset at first, but she loves you,” I reassured her. “If you’d like, I’ll go with you when you tell her you’re pregnant.”
Melany let out a deep sigh and dried her eyes with the back of her hand. “I’d like that,” she agreed. I smiled and gave her another squeeze.
“I just wish I could go back to the way things were before I got pregnant.”
Have you ever felt as if God is fed up with you? Perhaps you feel your mistakes are too great to be forgiven. Maybe you wish you could go back to a time when things were better. If so, our key verse offers us words of encouragement.
“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)
The prophet Isaiah spoke these words to Israel during a time when they were in captivity. They had lost everything they thought they’d keep forever. Because of their rebellion, they assumed God wanted nothing to do with them anymore.
Yet God responded: Forget the past. Whatever you’ve done or how far you’ve strayed, I’m doing a new thing in your life today!
Wherever you find yourself today, God is doing a new thing in your life. Our key verse from Isaiah teaches us how to embrace all He is doing.
1. Forget the former things.
It’s impossible to see where God is leading if we’re always looking back.
The Israelites longed for former days when they had God’s favor. They remembered when God made a way of escape through the Red Sea, when He protected them from the enemy and how He provided for their needs. The Israelites were looking to the past for present solutions. Yet, their past victories couldn’t do anything to free them in the present. They needed a new work. A new miracle. A new victory.
2. Recognize your future is now.
Just as a seed spouts below the ground before we see evidence of a new flower, God is already at work in us doing a new thing. It’s not something in the future. It’s springing up now. We can’t see it yet, but it’s in motion. God’s work of new life within us happens every day. He works to strengthen our relationship with Him, both spiritually and practically. We must focus on the work He is doing in our lives right now. Can you perceive it?
3. Commit to God’s plan.
Whether we see possibilities or problems in our lives, God is making a way for us. The Israelites thought they didn’t deserve anything from God. Yet God doesn’t condemn His children, rather, He lends a helping hand.
“… I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19b)
Melany felt her life was nothing more than a wasteland, but God turned her past into a stream of new life. Her baby was adopted by a loving couple. And just as He did for Melany, God can transform your desert into a field of blessing. He can bring new life from an old, dried-up one.
No matter your past, God has already set into motion a new direction and a new purpose for your life. Will you commit to His plan?
Dear Jesus, I believe You’re working something new in my life. Help me recognize Your activity, and give me a grateful heart toward Your mercy that never gives up on me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Revelation 21:5, “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” (NIV)
RELATED RESOURCES:
Many women carry a deep, unspoken sense of insignificance. Your Life Still Counts, by Tracie Miles, affirms you are loved and valued no matter your past.
CONNECT:
If you desire more encouragement about how God works for your future in spite of your past, visit Micca Campbell’s blog.
REFLECT AND RESPOND:
Is there a hurt or problem you can’t let go of? Think about what holds you captive, then, release it to God as you trust Him to do a new thing.
© 2017 by Micca Campbell. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
630 Team Rd., Suite 100
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org