It’s Not Too Late for a Fresh Start

In Isaiah 43:18-19 it says, “18 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”

The New Year is always exciting for most. We say goodbye to the previous year and we “ring” in the New Year. Many times this involves some type of resolution or decision to make changes in the coming year. As we start this year, there are a few important things to consider.

Don’t focus on the past (vs. 8: Remember ye not the former things). Looking back over 2013, I am sure you can remember past victories, as well as defeats. And while we learn from the past, we don’t live in the past. Paul said, “Forgetting those things which are behind….” I don’t know how your 2013 went, but good or bad, we must keep looking ahead.

Remember who is in control (vs. 9: Behold, I will do). God said, He will do it! Perhaps this is the year that you really let God have control of your life. Allow Him the preeminence and trust Him wholeheartedly. It has been said, “I don’t know the way He will take me, but well do I know my God!”

Be ready for the new thing (vs. 9: I will do a new thing). God had to remind the Israelites that the miraculous things He did in the past, He is still capable of doing! What are some new things you are expecting God to do in 2014?

Expect the impossible to become possible (vs. 9: rivers in the desert). There are two facts to consider from this passage:

  1. He will take you to a place you have never been (way in the wilderness).  As we walk with the Lord, he may direct you to a new thing (area of service, deeper commitment, ministry opportunity, etc…), and Prov. 3:5-6 reassures us we can trust the way that He leads!
  2. He will bring revival and renewal (rivers in the desert).   Oh, how each of us needs the Living water that comes from Jesus to flow through the “desert” areas in our life.

While we have seen God work in wonderful ways in 2013, let’s be ready for the new things He will accomplish in 2014! I am excited to see what the New Year has in store for Grace Bible Baptist Church as we look to The Lord and serve Him faithfully!