Photo by Jakob Dalbjörn on Unsplash

I’m writing a few posts this month about things that are new. As I have come into this New Year, I have needed to hear some encouraging words. I have had discouraging words raging inside my head as well as watching the news (less than usual because  it is discouraging.) That is also disheartening. I know I am not unique in this respect, so I thought I would share some of the good news I’m finding. It is hopeful to read.

When GOD does new things, He doesn’t get stuck in ruts! He loves variety and creativity when it comes to problem-solving and the tracking of our lives.

So here, it seems GOD’s people are on the verge of returning home after being in captivity. In one sense, GOD doesn’t want them to remember how He led them through the desert the first time. He is going to do it differently this time. Yes, He will provide for them just like He did then. But He won’t do it all the same way.

I’m wondering if His saying that He doesn’t want them to remember the former things, is His way of saying that He doesn’t want them to rest on their laurels, or to assume He will do things the same as before. Maybe He wants to remind them of His creativity, the kind of creativity He showed when he created the world. When He created all the colors, the many varieties of flowers, birds, plants and animals! So, He can also problem solve with that kind of creativity!

What a challenge to us, whether in our personal lives, or in our churches. It is easy for us to expect GOD to work in the same ways as He has in the past! We try to put Him in boxes and limit Him. But He won’t allow it. He is bigger than our boxes. That’s why He loves to do new things! It is a challenge to watch Him work. He chooses so many different ways to do His work. And in the process, He grows our faith.

Action Plan: I want to trust Him to do something new in some new areas of my life this year. How about you? Are you willing for Him to make those changes in His way, however that happens to be? Yes, it can be very scary! But this is a pretty great promise.

“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 wild beasts will honor me,
the jackals and the ostriches,
for I give water in the wilderness,
rivers in the desert,
to give drink to my chosen people,
the people whom I formed for myself
that they might declare my praise.

Isaiah 43:18-21 ESV