Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! (Isaiah 43:18-19)
As you launch out into yet another new year, remember these words that God gave us through the prophet Isaiah: “I am doing a new thing!” And that “new thing” begins with you.
God is in the business of creating new things, which means He wants us to move through the year ahead with a forward focus filled with hope and expectation. But we simply cannot do that if we are dwelling on the past — “the former things.” As I said last week, we are to learn from the past, not live in the past. We are to treat the past like a school, taking the lessons we have learned there and pressing on into our promised future. We simply must refuse to let our past possess us or persuade us, or it will paralyze us.
So let me ask you this question: How are you doing at forgetting the former things and not dwelling on your past? God has a formula for doing new things. He will not put new wine into old wineskins (Matthew 9:17), and He will not begin a new thing in your life until he does away with the old “stuff” that is holding you down.
So the next question to consider is this: What “old thing” is standing in the way of you becoming all that God is calling you to be?” Could it be . . .
- Your old way of living?
- Your old way of thinking?
- Your old way of doing?
- Your old way of desiring?
The most important new thing that God is doing in your life is conforming you to the image and likeness of Jesus Christ . . . and He will do that by any means necessary. Christian, embrace this glorious new thing He is doing in your life with all your heart and soul and mind and strength, regardless of the cost or circumstance. You can be sure that this new thing He is doing in you is the greatest good you will ever receive.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 