“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.”
— Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
Change is one of the few constants in life. Whether we like it or not, things are always evolving, transforming, and shifting around us. For some, change can be exciting and full of potential, while for others, it can be intimidating and overwhelming. Regardless of how we feel about change, it is often necessary for growth, renewal, and progress.
1. Understanding God’s Perspective on Change
Isaiah 43:19 offers us God’s perspective on change. God speaks through the prophet Isaiah, declaring His intention to do something new. The verse reminds us that God is not only aware of change but is also actively orchestrating it for our good. He is creating “a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland,” signalling that He is bringing life and hope to places that seem barren and hopeless.
When we face change, it is comforting to remember that God is at work, even when we can’t see the bigger picture. His plans are often beyond our understanding, yet they are always for our ultimate benefit.
2. Recognizing the Opportunities in Change
The phrase “Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” challenges us to be attentive and open to the new opportunities that change can bring. It’s easy to focus on what we are losing or the uncertainty that change brings, but God invites us to shift our perspective.
Change can open doors to new relationships, experiences, and growth opportunities. It can help us break free from old patterns that are no longer serving us and lead us toward a more fulfilling path. Embracing change with a sense of curiosity can transform our fear into excitement and our resistance into acceptance.
3. Trusting God’s Provision and Guidance
God promises to make a way in the wilderness and provide streams in the wasteland. This imagery is powerful because it assures us that God will provide for us and guide us through uncertain times. Just as He provided for the Israelites in the desert, He will provide for us in our personal deserts.
Trusting God’s provision means believing that He will meet our needs, even when the path is unclear. It means relying on His wisdom and timing, knowing that He is faithful and His plans are perfect.
4. Taking Practical Steps to Embrace Change
Pray for Guidance: Begin by seeking God’s wisdom and guidance through prayer. Ask Him to reveal the new things He is doing in your life and to help you align your heart with His will.
Reflect on Past Experiences: Consider previous times when you’ve experienced change and how God has led you through those seasons. Reflecting on past experiences can help build your faith and remind you of God’s faithfulness.
Be Open to New Opportunities: Approach change with an open heart and mind. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and explore the new opportunities that come your way.
Stay Connected to Community: Surround yourself with a supportive community of friends and family who can offer encouragement, prayer, and guidance as you navigate change.
Trust in God’s Timing: Remember that God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with your own expectations. Trust that He knows the best time for new things to unfold in your life.
Embracing change can be challenging, but it can also lead to incredible growth and transformation when viewed through the lens of faith. Isaiah 43:19 reminds us that God is doing something new, and we are invited to perceive it and embrace it with confidence and trust.
As we face the inevitable changes that life brings, may we hold onto the promise that God is with us, guiding us and providing for us every step of the way. Let us be open to the new things He is doing, knowing that He is making a way for us in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
