Embracing The New: A Sermon On Isaiah 43:18-19

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into a couple of incredibly powerful verses from the Book of Isaiah – chapter 43, verses 18 and 19. These verses speak volumes about forgetting the past and embracing the new things God is doing. Seriously, it's like a spiritual reset button, and we could all use that sometimes, right? So, let's unpack these words and see how they can transform our lives, offering us a fresh perspective on faith, growth, and the exciting journey ahead. Grab your Bibles, and let's get started!

The Call to Forget the Past: Isaiah 43:18

Alright, first things first, let's look at Isaiah 43:18: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past." Woah, hold up! Forget? That's a pretty strong command, isn't it? It's easy to get stuck in the past, to replay old hurts, failures, and regrets. We all do it, right? We all have those moments where we find ourselves replaying past scenarios in our heads, picking them apart, and wishing things had gone differently. Maybe you're haunted by a mistake you made, a relationship that ended, or a dream that didn't come true. It's so tempting to dwell on these things, to let them define us, and to shape our view of the present and the future. But Isaiah says, "Forget the former things." It's not about pretending the past didn't happen; it's about not allowing it to dictate our current reality. It’s a challenge to actively choose to release the grip of the past. This verse isn't about erasing your memory; it’s about changing your focus. It's about shifting your gaze from what was to what is and, more importantly, to what will be.

Think about it like this: imagine trying to drive a car while constantly looking in the rearview mirror. You might have a clear view of where you've been, but you're probably going to crash into something pretty quickly. The past is important—it has shaped you into who you are—but if you're constantly focused on it, you'll miss the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. The past can teach us valuable lessons, but it shouldn't hold us captive. Instead, we should learn from it, gain wisdom, and then move on. The goal here is freedom—freedom from the burden of regret, the chains of disappointment, and the weight of what could have been. God is not interested in seeing us chained to our past mistakes or failures. He wants us to be free to experience the abundant life He has planned for us. That freedom starts with a choice: the choice to let go. It's about choosing to believe that God's plans for us are bigger and better than anything we can imagine, regardless of what's happened before. This command to forget isn’t just a suggestion; it's a foundation for spiritual growth.

So, how do we actually forget? Well, it's not always easy, but it starts with recognizing the need to move forward. Acknowledge the past, learn from it, and then intentionally shift your focus. Start by expressing gratitude for what you've learned. Seek support from others. Pray for guidance and strength. Focus on the present. Then, intentionally focus on the present moment and the opportunities it presents. When negative thoughts about the past creep in, consciously redirect your thoughts to something positive or productive. Finally, practice forgiveness. Forgive yourself for your mistakes and forgive others for their transgressions. Forgiveness is a powerful tool that can help you release the chains of the past and embrace the future. It’s about recognizing that God offers us grace and a fresh start. Embracing the call to forget the former things allows us to step into the fullness of the present moment, open our hearts to God’s new mercies, and live with renewed hope. So, let’s actively work on this, okay? Let’s work towards a future unburdened by yesterday.

Behold, I Will Do a New Thing: Isaiah 43:19

Now, let's move on to the second part of our dynamic duo of verses: Isaiah 43:19. This verse is the real game-changer: "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." This is not just a gentle suggestion; it's a bold proclamation! God is declaring that He is actively at work, creating something new. Think about the imagery here: God is making a way where there seems to be no way, providing water where the land is dry and barren. It's a testament to His creative power and His desire to bring life and abundance to even the most desolate places. This verse is an invitation to open our eyes and see what God is doing right now. It's about being aware of the fresh beginnings, the new opportunities, and the unexpected blessings that are constantly unfolding around us. Notice that God doesn’t just say He's doing something new; He invites us to see it, to perceive it. This suggests that the “new thing” isn’t always obvious. We have to be actively looking, paying attention, and cultivating a sense of spiritual awareness. This is about cultivating a sense of expectancy, a belief that God is at work, even when we can’t see the evidence with our own eyes.

So, what does this “new thing” look like? Well, it can take many forms: a new job opportunity, a restored relationship, a breakthrough in your personal growth, or a deeper connection with God. It could be a sudden insight, a change in your perspective, or a fresh sense of purpose. It could even be a new challenge that leads to growth and development. The possibilities are endless. The key is to be open to the unexpected and to trust that God is always working for our good, even when we don't understand His plan. This verse also speaks to God's restorative power. The imagery of making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland is a powerful reminder that God can bring life and flourishing to even the most difficult and challenging situations. He can take what is broken and make it whole. He can bring hope and healing to the deepest wounds. He can transform our desert experiences into places of abundance and blessing. This verse is a promise that God is not limited by our past or our present circumstances. He has the power to create something new, regardless of how bleak things may seem.

But here's the kicker: God asks, “Do you not perceive it?” He’s not just doing a new thing; He wants us to be aware of it! To experience this newness, we need to cultivate a sense of spiritual awareness. How do we do that? First, prayer. Spend time in prayer, asking God to open your eyes to see what He is doing in your life and in the world around you. Scripture read and meditate on Scripture, allowing God’s Word to renew your mind and guide your perspective. Gratitude. Practice gratitude, focusing on the blessings in your life and recognizing God’s hand at work. Community. Surround yourself with a supportive community of believers who can encourage you and help you see God’s work in your life. And Trust. Finally, trust that God is always working for your good, even when you don’t understand His plan. The act of perceiving God’s new work requires us to set aside our doubts, fears, and preconceptions. It demands a willingness to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the unknown. It calls us to look beyond our own limited understanding and trust in the infinite wisdom and power of God. By doing so, we can fully experience the promise of Isaiah 43:19, seeing the “new thing” spring forth in our lives and the wilderness blossom into a beautiful garden.

Putting it All Together: Living the Isaiah 43:18-19 Life

Okay, so we've looked at the verses individually. Now, how do we put it all together and apply them to our daily lives? It's about creating a lifestyle where we forget the past and embrace the future. It's about letting go of old hurts and regrets and embracing the new things that God is doing in our lives. It's a continuous process, not a one-time event. It requires a conscious effort to release the grip of the past and a willingness to trust God's plan. It’s a journey, not a destination. Think of it like a journey from one landscape to another. We all start from a certain point. We all face the challenges and joys of the journey. Some experiences are good; some are bad. It doesn't matter, we keep moving forward. With each step, we must leave the landscape behind. The journey keeps taking us to the next, never remaining still. We are constantly changing. We need to remember that God is the architect and the guide. He is the map and the compass. If we look in the right direction, we will always find our destination, no matter how bad things seem. The destination is always a new beginning.

First, start by identifying areas in your life where you're holding onto the past. Are there relationships that need healing? Are there past failures that are still affecting your confidence? Then, make a conscious decision to let go. Pray for guidance and strength. Focus on the present. Instead of dwelling on what's gone, focus on the opportunities and blessings in your life right now. And finally, cultivate an attitude of expectancy. Believe that God is doing something new in your life. Be open to His leading, and look for the ways He is working. This is where faith becomes active. It's a leap of trust and a willingness to step into the unknown. When you start living this way, you'll begin to experience the transformative power of these verses. You'll find yourself feeling lighter, freer, and more hopeful. You'll be more resilient in the face of challenges.

Remember, God is always working. He’s not confined by time, space, or your limitations. He's always creating, always restoring, and always offering new beginnings. By choosing to let go of the past and embrace the future, you're opening yourself up to a life filled with purpose, joy, and the boundless possibilities that God has in store for you. This lifestyle is an invitation to step into a life of faith, hope, and love. It's a life where you are continuously challenged to grow and evolve, to trust in God's promises, and to live each day with a sense of wonder and anticipation. So, my friends, let's make it a point this week to actively apply these principles to our lives. Let’s work on releasing the past, seeing God’s new work, and growing closer to the wonderful future He has planned for us. Are you with me?