God Is Doing A New Thing

Sermon Title: “God Is Doing a New Thing”

Text: Isaiah 43:1–19

Preacher: Dr. Ralph W. Jenkins

Introduction:

Have you ever felt stuck in the past? Maybe in a pain, a failure, or even a past victory? Sometimes, we look for God to move exactly as He did before. But God says in Isaiah 43:19, “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?”

God is not bound by our past experiences. He doesn’t repeat Himself like a broken record. He writes new songs. He paints new masterpieces. He tells new stories. And in Isaiah 43, God is saying: “Get ready—I’m doing something new.”

But how do we prepare for the “new thing” God is doing?

Let’s look at Isaiah 43 and discover how to faithfully trust Him, faithfully declare Him, and faithfully believe Him.

I. FAITHFULLY TRUST HIM (Isaiah 43:1–7)

Key Verse: “Fear not, for I have redeemed thee; I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” (v.1)

God starts this chapter by reminding Israel of His deep, personal love for them. He created them, redeemed them, and called them by name.

Verses 2–4:

“When you pass through the waters… through the rivers… through the fire—I will be with you.”

Notice: God doesn’t say, “I’ll keep you from the fire.” He says, “I’ll be with you in the fire.”

Israel often looked back to their Egyptian deliverance—expecting God to work the same way again. But God says, “I’m not repeating Egypt. I’m doing something new.”

Application:

That storm in your life? God might not calm it—But He walk with you through it.

That barrier? It may become your biggest blessing.

That pain? It may produce exponential power.

That fear? It may birth a still greater faith.

Illustration:

Just like a seed must go through the darkness of the soil before it breaks forth into new life—God often brings the new from what looks like death or despair.

II. FAITHFULLY DECLARE HIM (Isaiah 43:8–14)

Key Verse: “Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen.” (v.10)

In verses 8–14, God reminds Israel—and reminds us—that we are His witnesses.

Even in bondage, God says, “Declare who I am!”

What should we declare?

a. There is no God but the Lord (v.10).

b. There is no Savior besides Me (v.11).

c. I have delivered before—and I will deliver again (v.12).

Application:

Don’t wait for deliverance to give Him glory. Start praising Him now.]ppp

Testimony is powerful.

Your past deliverance is proof that God can do it again.

You may not know how He’ll do it—but you can trust that He will.

Declare His power while you wait on His promise.

III. FAITHFULLY BELIEVE HIM (Isaiah 43:18–19)

Key Verse: “Behold, I will do a new thing… I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” (v.19)

Here’s where the Word lands heavy:

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” (v.18)

It’s not that the past wasn’t good—it’s that God has something greater ahead.

Verse 19:

“I will do a new thing.” – It’s not a possibility. It’s a promise.

“It shall spring forth.” – It’s not someday. It’s starting now.

“Shall ye not know it?” – Don’t miss it!

Application:

Let go of yesterday’s expectations.

Look for today’s miracles.

Praise Him like it’s already done.

God’s “new thing” is not new to Him—it’s just new to you. He planned it before the foundation of the world.

Conclusion:

God doesn’t ask your permission to do something new. He invites your participation. Once He declares a thing—it is settled in heaven.

So walk with Him into it:

Trust Him—even when it’s unfamiliar.

Declare Him—even when it’s uncomfortable.

Believe Him—even when it seems impossible.

Because the new thing is already springing forth.

Invitation:

Are you ready to receive it? Let go of the past, step into the promise, and walk by faith—not by sight. Because the God who was, who is, and who is to come—is already working out the new thing in your life. It is FINISHED! Believe it and receive it because God has already declared it to be.

Trust Him, declare Him, believe Him, and you will experience Him in ways you have to know Him.