Key scripture- “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).

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, today’s Key scripture offers you 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 to them and He said: “Forget the past. Whatever you’ve done or how far you’ve strayed, forget it, because I’m doing a new thing in your life today!”

Author, Micca Campbell tells us that, wherever you find yourself today, I want you to know that God is doing a new thing in your life, and the Key scripture from Isaiah teaches you how to embrace all that He is doing.

Forget the former things.
It’s impossible to see where God is leading if we’re always looking back. If you are always looking in the rear view mirror you will miss where God is taking you. There is a reason why the front windshield is large and the rear view mirror is small.

The Israelites are a good example of people who were longing for the 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 with manna from heaven and water from the rocks. The Israelites were looking back to the past for present solutions, but their past victories couldn’t do anything to free them in the present.

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 keep our focus on the work He is doing in our lives right now.

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)

If you feel that your life is nothing more than a wasteland, don’t give up because God will turn your life into a stream of new life, He will anoint your head with oil and your cup will over flow, He will transform your desert into a field of blessing, He will provide you with refreshing springs, and He will bring new life from an old, dried-up one.

No matter what is in your past, God has already set into motion a new direction and a new purpose for your life. Will you commit to His plan? Get alone with Him and talk to Him about it.

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, I know that You’re working something new in my life. Help me to recognize what You are doing, and give me patience and a grateful heart toward Your mercy that is new every morning and that never gives up on me. Help me to remember that anything that happens to me must come through Your Loving hands first. My destiny is in Your hands. I know that the things that happen in my life are not random events or luck or coincidence, but are part of Your divine design for my life, which is always for my good and Your glory, for a future and a hope. I may have many troubles but You deliver me from them all and protect me from all evil. I will never be destroyed because You rescue and save me from all evil. I will lack no good thing. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.