Rivers from Wastelands

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NLT)

 “But forget all that—

    it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.

For I am about to do something new.

    See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?

I will make a pathway through the wilderness.

    I will create rivers in the dry wasteland."

Sometimes it's hard not to feel trapped in the past. It can be very difficult to let go of things that've happened. It's nearly impossible to un-see some things. Or see beyond them, really. When we look back and all that's visible to us is this path of destruction that seems to be following relentlessly, it can feel as though the walls are closing in. As if we are out in this wilderness all alone, drowning hopelessly in the desolation all around. With no clue how we got there or how to get out. 

I don't know about you but I can definitely relate to that feeling. It's a scary place to be.

 "But..."

I think that's my favorite word in that entire Isaiah passage,

BUT: 

"used to introduce something contrasting to what has already been mentioned"

I love that. The idea of introducing something brand new. Like a fresh perspective. Change of scenery. Totally different than what had been. Nothing like what was previously seen. 

What an incredibly refreshing thought! Something that, at certain times in our lives especially, we all crave.

“Forget the former things;

    do not dwell on the past." (v. 18 NIV)

It sounds so simple. Yet, can we honestly do that? Just forget it. Wipe it all away, like a clean slate. A fresh start. No matter where we've been?

The answer is "yes" we can. Because what he's promised us far outweighs any situation we could ever find ourselves in.

Oh, the power we possess to rise above the bleakness our circumstances when we trust what he has said and believe it to be true. 

"See, I am doing a new thing!" (v. 19 NIV) 

One of the most life-altering aspects about being a Jesus follower is the call to trust Him outside of what we can see. Do you understand how much freedom that brings? When we are able to just let go and give it all over to him. Giving in to something much bigger than you or me. With our faith extending so far beyond what's right in front of us, we're able to see so much more clearly. As the harsh reality of whatever desert we've been residing in falls away, we look to Him for answers. For hope. For peace.

"Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" (v. 19 NIV) 

That's a game-changer for me. Especially in seasons of trial. Where frustration, confusion, and pain are what's being felt most prevalently. (Which happens to be right where I've been finding myself lately.) BUT. Life is so much more than the way it seems. Because of what I know. Because of WHO I know and what He is capable of. I am no longer a slave to my sin. To the past. No longer do I have to feel trapped in this dry land, dying of thirst. Because I know Christ. He who IS living water and whose well never runs dry. So long as I trust and take the cup he's offering. Like a hand being held out to pull me back to safety. 

So travel on, fellow sojourners, and trust Him regardless of what you may currently see-- even if devastation surrounds. Our God is greater. His grace will abound. Let faith overshadow your doubt. He will come through. In fact, he has already begun. Even if we do not yet see it. A pathway will open up before us. 

"I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." (v. 19 NIV) 

While we are not promised that it will always be smooth or easy we can rest in the knowledge of the truth that we are not alone. He is always there. Fighting right alongside us to make a way where there seems to be none. He is doing something completely NEW and this place we feel like we've been stuck in for so long will be nothing in comparison. BUT, we must choose to believe beyond what we can see. Trusting that the one who is able to make rivers burst forth from dry wastelands is capable of doing the same thing within you and me.