Go! And Embrace The New Thing! - Isaiah 43:18-19 Series

Go! And Embrace the New Thing! - Isaiah 43:18-19

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."

Introduction: A God of New Beginnings

Life is filled with transitions—some welcomed, some unexpected. We can become so fixated on past experiences, whether victories or failures, that we struggle to move forward. But God calls us to embrace the new thing He is doing. Isaiah 43:18-19 is a divine declaration of renewal, transformation, and hope.

Many people are held captive by the weight of yesterday. But God is in the business of making things new. Pastor Craig Groeschel once said, “Sometimes God doesn’t change our situation because He is trying to change our hearts.” The process of transformation requires trust, obedience, and faith.

1. Forget the Former Things (Isaiah 43:18)

Isaiah speaks to the Israelites who were exiled in Babylon. They had seen God perform wonders in the past, particularly in delivering their ancestors from Egypt. But God says, “Forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.”

The Hebrew word for "forget" is shakach, which means to no longer be influenced by or controlled by something. God is not saying to erase history but to stop allowing the past to dictate the future.

Israel's focus was on past miracles like the parting of the Red Sea, but God wanted them to expect greater things.

Paul echoes this in Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT): “I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize.”

What past failures or successes are you clinging to that prevent you from seeing God’s new work?

Trust that God has greater plans ahead (Jeremiah 29:11).

2. Recognise the New Thing (Isaiah 43:19a)

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?”

God is constantly at work, but we must be spiritually sensitive to perceive it. The word "new" (chadash in Hebrew) means fresh, unprecedented, something never seen before. God’s new work often looks different from past experiences.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT): “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

God renews our hearts, our minds, and our circumstances.

Often, we don’t recognise the new thing because we expect it to look like the old thing.

Imagine a caterpillar expecting to crawl forever, unaware it is being transformed into a butterfly. God’s new thing in your life may require you to break out of a cocoon of comfort and step into uncharted territory.

Pray for discernment to see the new thing God is doing in your life.

Be willing to step out in faith even when the new thing seems unfamiliar or uncomfortable.

3. God Provides in the Wilderness (Isaiah 43:19b)

“I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”

A wilderness is a place of uncertainty, dryness, and difficulty. But God is not limited by your situation—He makes a way where there seems to be no way.

Biblical Examples:

Exodus 14:21-22: God made a pathway through the Red Sea.

John 4:13-14: Jesus, the source of living water, offers eternal satisfaction.

Psalm 23:4 (NLT): “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.”

Exegesis of Key Hebrew Words:

Derek (pathway) refers to a road or course of action. God provides direction.

Nahar (rivers) symbolises life, provision, and refreshment in arid places.

A missionary once got lost in the jungle, unable to find a clear path. A local guide said, “Follow me. I am the way.” Jesus is our guide through life’s wilderness.

Trust God’s provision even in dry seasons.

Seek His direction rather than relying on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).

4. Step into the New with Faith

Joshua and the Israelites faced an impossible barrier—the Jordan River. But God told them to step into the water before it parted (Joshua 3:15-17). Sometimes, we must move forward in faith before we see God’s provision.

Hebrews 11:1 (NLT): “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.”

Matthew 14:29: Peter walked on water when he fixed his eyes on Jesus.

Isaiah 41:10 (NLT): “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.”

Take bold steps in obedience, knowing God goes before you.

Let go of fear and trust God’s promises.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

God is calling you to let go of the past and step into His new thing. Will you trust Him to lead you through the wilderness? Will you allow Him to create rivers in your desert places?