Change is possible

TODAY'S SPECIAL: Isaiah 43:14-28

TO CHEW ON:  "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold I will do a new thing, now it will spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."  Isaiah 43:18,19.


What “former things” is Isaiah is referring to here? He may be talking about the pattern the nations of Israel and Judah were stuck in – a cycle of turning to God, growing cold, being rebellious, committing sin, experiencing domination by heathen neighbors and then crying out to God again. Perhaps additionally there was the feeling that God’s interventions on their behalf were all in the past. Miracles had happened – yes. God had been present. But that was long ago, in a different generation. Now He felt absent.

Isaiah speaks God’s word of hope. Old behavior patterns can be broken: “Do not remember former things…” New miracles are possible: “Behold I will do a new thing…”


We also easily get stuck in ‘former things.’ Destructive patterns of behavior, like eating too much, losing our temper, worrying and a myriad more may hold us or our loved ones captive. As we drift from God, He feels ever more distant. He has been active in our lives, but it’s all in the past. The last time He seemed close and intimate was weeks, months, even years ago.

This passage assures us that change is possible. When we bring our situation to God, turn from our sin and again give Him lordship in our lives, He will do new things for us too.

PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for this message of hope. Please do a new thing my life and in the lives of my family, friends and nation. Amen.

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Unless otherwise noted all Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.