"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the desert and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.” Isaiah 43:18-21
God wants to do something new and beautiful in your life. This passage was His promise of restoration to the Jews in exile, but it also rings true for us today. As new creations in Christ, delivered from living exiled in bondage to sin, we now have this assurance: God is active: healing, restoring and guiding us into a life of greater abundance in Him.
But here’s the hard part: God often allows us to journey through the wilderness before we reach the season of spiritual abundance.
Our trust in God grows under pressure. When God feels distant, the Holy Spirit is working behind the scenes to strengthen our confidence in Jesus.
Though the Jews were in exile due to decades of rebellion, outright defiance is only one reason a person can end up in the wilderness. If you’re feeling spiritually dry today, it’s often more complicated than that. These questions may help you understand your situation better:
- Have I neglected time in prayer and in God’s word?
- Am I connected to Christian community and do I use my gifts to serve others?
- Have I become so busy working for God that I’ve forgotten to rest in Him?
- Am I taking care of myself physically, emotionally, spiritually?
- Is my trust in God based on His character or on my circumstances?
God wants you out of the wilderness even more than you do. But above all, He wants what is best for you. Let’s commit to remaining softhearted and teachable through whatever we’re facing.
Dear Jesus, You were faithful, prayerful and obedient in the wilderness, ready to learn the lessons Your father was teaching You. Please give me that same heart. Amen.
Take Action
If one of the questions above caused you to think of an area you need to grow in, take that concern to Jesus right now in prayer. Ask Him to show you the next step.
Are you living The Spirit-Filled Life?