New Things

Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. ~Isaiah 43:19 (CSV)

A new year brings excitement for new things and expectations of change. Does that fill you with hope or dread? I guess it really depends on the situation you are facing, right? If the changes are something you’ve been hoping for you can’t help but be excited, however, if the changes lead you into the unknown or the unwanted you may view them with apprehension.

To me, this verse paints a beautiful picture of how God weaves and orchestrates our lives. For some reason, I see this conversation taking place on top of a mountain with the Father and I discussing my hopes and dreams. It’s like He’s pointing into the vast distance saying, “Can’t you see it coming?” and no, with my pathetic eyesight I can’t see it on the horizon. As much as I squint and try, I’m looking out on an environment that is barren, dry, uninviting and a bit scary and yet, the Father is promising me that there will be rivers in the barrenness that I see. I don’t know how and it definitely seems a far way off but He has promised and He is faithful.

Romans 15:4 tells us that, “...the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.” The issue is that waiting patiently for something you can’t see and don’t understand is a teensy weensy bit difficult. If you are expectantly waiting for something to happen you can grow super impatient when it doesn’t come as fast as you would like or when it occurs in unexpected ways. On the other hand, if you are happy or at least comfortable in your current season, you might be less enthusiastic about the changes coming. The unknown can be so unsettling but as Jo March so wisely reflected in “Little Women”, “Change will come as surely as the seasons and twice as quickly. We make our peace with it as best as we can…” We can’t run from change as much as we would like, so what can we do?

We can trust the Lord and believe that He does have a new thing prepared and coming, even if we can’t see it or understand how it could possibly work out. And if we are not ready to let go of our current season, we can ask God to give us the courage to step forward into the unknown because remember, it’s only unknown to us. So, as we begin yet another year of unknowns, I pray that you find seasons of growth and grace, courage and conviction, happiness and hope. Happy New Year!