Together - Daily DevotionalSample

A New Thing

Reading: Isaiah 43:16-22

Key Verse: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing ...” v.18-19

Throughout the Bible God reveals His plans to do something new and calls us to accompany Him on a journey of exploration and discovery.  That may mean singing a new song (Ps.96:1), taking new responsibilities (Acts 14:23), adventuring to new places (Jos.1:1-8, 3:4), expanding our horizons (Isa.54:2-3), or speaking the message of Jesus to new people (Acts 13:1-5).

But note verse 22. To make God’s promises and blessings a reality in our lives they often need to be pursued to be obtained. His rain falls on the faithful and the unfaithful as an example of what is called “common grace” (Matt.5:45). But there are times when we need to pray for rain (2 Chron.7:13-14) or use our physical bodies and abilities to collect and enjoy His provision just like the Israelites who had to gather and cook the manna He gave (Exod.16:13-26). 

We are people more committed to the future than the past. We honour the good things that have gone before but we embrace the future ahead. God has called us more to be explorers than curators! So let us not dwell on the past but embrace the new thing and new beginning that the Lord has for each one of us! 

Prayer: Lord, I set aside the successes and failures of the past to do a new thing with You