Introduction

Good morning, church family! Today, we're going to dive deep into a message that's all about embracing change, moving forward with urgency, and not getting stuck in our traditions. Change can be scary, can't it? It can feel uncomfortable and even threatening. But the truth is, change is a part of life and a part of our spiritual journey.

Let's take a moment to listen to this insightful quote from respected Christian author, Philip Yancey, who once said, "Faith means believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse." Sometimes we have to step out in faith, not fully understanding why we're being led in a certain direction, but trusting that God is in control.

Opening Scripture Reading – Now, let's turn to our Scripture passage for today, Isaiah 43:18-19. It says, "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 wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

Closing Prayer – Let's pray. Dear Heavenly Father, we ask that you open up our hearts and minds to your Word today. Help us to embrace the change you're leading us towards, not to cling too tightly to our traditions but to move forward with urgency, knowing that you're guiding us. We know that you're always doing a new thing in our lives, even when we can't see it. Give us the faith to trust in your plan, even when it doesn't make sense. We ask these things in your holy name, amen.

Transition – Are we ready, church? Let's dive into this rich message and learn together how we can better embrace change, move forward with urgency, and not get stuck in our traditions.

Embracing Change

Embracing change is a concept that's woven throughout the Bible, from the transformation of Saul into Paul on the road to Damascus, to the metamorphosis of the disciples after the resurrection of Jesus. Change is not just a part of life; it's a part of God's design for our lives.

A. The first thing we need to understand about embracing change is that it's not about forgetting our past or discarding our traditions. Rather, it's about not allowing our past or our traditions to hold us captive. Isaiah 43:18-19 tells us to "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past." This doesn't mean we should erase our memories or ignore the lessons we've learned. It means we shouldn't let our past dictate our future. We shouldn't let our past failures, mistakes, or even successes keep us from moving forward into the new things God has for us.

B. Embracing change also means stepping out in faith. As Philip Yancey said, "Faith means believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse." Sometimes, God calls us to step out into the unknown, to take a leap of faith, without giving us all the details. It can be scary and uncomfortable, but it's in those moments of uncertainty that our faith is tested and strengthened. It's in those moments that we learn to trust God more deeply and follow Him more closely.

C. Furthermore, embracing change requires us to be open to the new things God is doing in our lives. "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" God is always at work, always doing something new. But often, we're too focused on the past or too stuck in our traditions to see it. We need to open our eyes and our hearts to perceive the new things God is doing in and through us.

D. Finally, embracing change involves recognizing that God is making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Even when we're going through difficult times, even when we're in the wilderness or the wasteland, God is at work. He's making a way where there seems to be no way. He's bringing life and hope where there seems to be only death and despair. Embracing change means trusting that God is at work, even when we can't see it.

Transition – Embracing change is not about forgetting our past or discarding our traditions. It's about not allowing our past or our traditions to hold us captive. It's about stepping out in faith, being open to the new things God is doing, and trusting that He is making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Moving Forward with Urgency

Moving forward with urgency is not about rushing or being hasty, but rather about recognizing the importance of our mission and responding with a sense of purpose and passion ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO