This past weekend we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ; life where it wasn’t expected, victory over death, a NEW thing. Jesus’ resurrection was not the end of the story, but the beginning!
A month ago, when we all started facing the reality of the coronavirus, God brought me to Isaiah 43; specifically verses 18-19: “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” The Lord was telling the children of Israel that he would indeed free them from Babylon, but if they stayed focused on their captivity, they would not experience the freedom of this new thing.
Could it be that through this time of quarantine, God is doing a NEW thing? In verses 16 and 17, God reminds the Israelites of how he has rescued them before by recalling his faithfulness; and yet, what is being emphasized is that we can’t dwell on the past if we want to have eyes for the future. I love how The Voice expresses verses 18-19: “Don’t revel only in the past, or spend all your time recounting the victories of days gone by. Watch closely: I am preparing something new; it’s happening now, even as I speak.” It is impossible to see where God is leading if we are always looking back; past victories can’t free us in the future.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes the idea of trusting God with a “new thing” is scary or daunting; especially if you like being in control. Questions may arise such as, “Is this safe? Am I worthy? Will my needs be met?” The beauty of this passage comes from the fact that God has already established his children’s identity. Earlier in verses 1-5, the Lord says, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you … Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you … Fear not, I am with you.”
We can have confidence in our Father’s promise of doing a NEW thing because we know who we are and whose we are. Our identity is secure, we are loved by God Almighty, and BEHOLD, He is doing a NEW thing!
LIVE THE STORY
Find a quiet place and have a conversation with your Heavenly Father, your Abba. Who does God say you are? Considering your identity as his child; precious in his sight, to what “new thing” could he be calling you? Watch closely … can you see it?
By Lynette Fuson
Women’s Ministry Director