Text: Isaiah 43:19
“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
Introduction
Our text discusses the essence of God’s promise to do something new, unexpected, and transformative. We reflect with gratitude on this God who brings new things daily. This verse, rich with the imagery of God creating a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, reminds us that God is not bound by the limitations of the past or present. He is always at work to bring about something fresh and life-giving.
This verse invites us to embrace the adventure of new beginnings, the courage to step into the unknown, and the faith to believe that God is doing a new thing in our lives. Every new beginning is a testament to God’s faithfulness and His promise to lead us through the wilderness, to make a way in the desert, and to bring forth something new and beautiful from the ashes of our past.
Salient Facts About a New Thing Happening
- Promise in a Time of Despair: The promise of a new thing came to the children of Israel during a bleak period in their history. Today, it comes to you in your seemingly bad situation.
- It promises deliverance from every form of captivity you find yourself in.
- Divine Assurance: The reliability of any promise depends on the personality that gives it, their capability, integrity, and generosity. God is more than able, and you can trust Him to fulfill what He has said.
What a New Thing Really Means
- Reposition Yourself:
- Change your focus: quit looking behind and start looking ahead. Philippians 3:12-15 advises us to consider our past to help us, not to hurt us.
- Repentance and Transformation:
- Genuine repentance over all known and unknown sins.
- Turn away from wicked ways and turn to God in righteousness.
- Forget your ugly past in anticipation of the glorious new thing God wants to do for you.
- Seek God Actively:
- Position yourself by calling on the Living God.
Examples of New Things in the Bible
- Saul (Acts 9:1-19): From persecutor to passionate preacher.
- Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:1-3): From demon-possessed to devoted follower.
- Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10): From corrupt tax collector to generous benefactor.
- Joseph (Genesis 37-50): From slave to powerful leader.
- Rahab (Joshua 2): From prostitute to an ancestor of Jesus.
- Peter (Luke 5:1-11): From fearful follower to bold leader.
- Paul (Acts 9:1-19): From persecutor to preacher (repeated for emphasis).
- Moses (Exodus 3:1-15): From reluctant leader to powerful prophet.
- David (1 Samuel 16:11-13): From shepherd boy to king.
- Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-18): From prophet to chariot of fire.
What Believers Can Do to Experience a New Thing
- Spend Time with God: Deepen your relationship through daily Bible reading and prayer.
- Engage in Community: Support each other and grow in faith with other believers.
- Transform Your Mind: Embrace God’s mercy and live according to His will.
- Walk by the Spirit: Reflect the fruits of the Spirit in your life.
- Focus on What is Good: Guard your heart and think on things that are true, noble, right, and pure.
- Embrace Your New Identity: Recognize you are a new person in Christ.
- Celebrate God’s Goodness: Participate in celebrations of God’s faithfulness.
- Believe in God’s Ability: Trust in God’s power to accomplish the impossible.
- Draw Near to God: Cultivate a close relationship with Him.
- Live in Freedom: Experience the freedom that comes from being saved by grace through faith.
- Win Souls for Christ: Share the word of salvation.
What Happens to a Believer Who Experiences a New Thing
Isaiah 43:19 vividly demonstrates God’s promise to do a new thing, making a way in the wilderness and creating rivers in the desert. This storyline shows that God is the one who brings about new things in our lives, providing guidance and resources to navigate through our challenges. It is a call to trust in God’s promises and recognize His work in our lives, enabling us to experience the transformative power of His love and grace.
Conclusion
New things will not happen until we allow our light to light up the world.
“Your lives light up the world. For how can you hide a city that stands on a hilltop? And who would light a lamp and then hide it in an obscure place? Instead, it’s placed where everyone in the house can benefit from its light. So don’t hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others, so that your commendable works will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 TPT
Finally, God will not do a new thing if our hearts are full of evil. We must be like Jesus and not repay an evil act with another evil act.
“Again, your ancestors were taught, ‘Never swear an oath that you don’t intend to keep, but keep your vows to the Lord God.’ Your ancestors have also been taught, ‘Take an eye in exchange for an eye and a tooth in exchange for a tooth.’ However, I say to you, don’t repay an evil act with another evil act. But whoever insults you by slapping you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well.” Matthew 5:33, 38-39 TPT
God is ready to do a new thing, but our hearts must be right with Him. Let us trust God absolutely to experience and enjoy the benefits of a new thing.