When God wants to do something new, stand back and watch a Master at work. He pairs unlimited resources with perfect timing to form something new that we could not produce by goals or dreams or hard work. If you can think it; it's not new!
The bold announcement God made to His people in Isaiah has found me stuck in a life space I wanted out of more than once.
I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun!
Do you not see it? (Isaiah 43:19, NLT),
Never did God swoop down from Heaven and take away my angst and struggle to bring me His new the first time I asked for it. Like wine, there is an aging process, a timing, and God refuses to ruin His new by giving it too early. When I take God’s promise of new personally, I begin to look for His new instead of pleading for what I thought I wanted.
There is a contentment that comes when you know Someone is working for your best interest. It breeds a patience that encourages God to take His time so that He can produce what you can’t. It encourages you to listen to “This is what the Lord says” in a way that silences your self-talk, a poor substitute for true prayer. It helps you listen with all the hunger in your heart so you will hear from God first. It prevents you from hanging on to your own best plan that sends you in vicious circles of no resolution. God’s new brings something worth waiting for.
Whatever new God wants to bring you started in creation with mind-blowing innovation. The created world is evidence that God has the power to create new in better ways than you can imagine. God worked outside of known biolgy and reproduction when He gave us Jesus. But how He pulled back the curtain to let us see what death to life looks at is so new that there are still doubters.
During Lent, we review the new God brought to our messed-up planet. Had we lived in Isaiah’s time, we would not have thought that cruel crucifixion would become the raw material for something new. Why do we think we can name the raw material for God’s new today? All He needs from us is surrender and obedience.
Give the Master Innovator time to do His new, His way, for you. Put away your advice and analysis. Give Him unlimited access to everything your heart holds and your mind thinks. Stand back and watch a Master at work. You can’t out-do God’s new. Don’t try!
Scripture to guide your way to the cross . . .
Saturday
For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? Isaiah 43:19, NLT
Are you looking for God’s new? Are you willing to give Him only your surrender and obedience?
Sunday
I will make rivers in the dry wasteland so my chosen people can be refreshed. Isaiah 43:20
Sabbath comes with God’s provisions for refreshment. Wherever your dry place is, Sabbath is God’s way of refreshing you. Drink deep.
Monday
I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters, making a dry path through the sea. I called forth the mighty army of Egypt with all its chariots and horses. Isaiah 43:16-17, NLT
What are God’s credentials that qualifies Him to promise something new? Contemplate His incredible ability. He is your personal Life Trainer. What does He have planned for today?
Tuesday
Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy! Psalm 126:3
Review how the Lord has demonstrated His skill to bring new to your life. Lean on this proof as you consider His promise.