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 on yet another ‘New Year,’ remember these words from God through the prophet Isaiah, “I am doing a new thing,” and it begins with you.
God is in the business of doing new things which means God wants us to move through this ‘New Year’ with the forward focus of hope and expectation. But we simply cannot do that if we are dwelling on the past. We are to learn from the past, not live in the past. We are to treat the past like a school. We are to take the lesson from the past and press on into our promised future. We must refuse to let our past possess or persuade us. If we do not, we will be paralyzed by our past. So, let me ask you this question: “How are you doing in not dwelling on your past and forgetting the former things?”
Now God has a formula for doing new things. Because God won’t put new wine into old wineskins, He will not begin a new thing in your life until he does away with the old that is holding you down. The next question to consider is this: “What old has become an obstacle in your way of becoming all God is calling you to be?”
- Old way of living?
- Old way of thinking?
- Old way of doing?
- Old way of desiring?
Remember, the most important new thing God is doing is conforming you into the image and likeness of Jesus. And He will do it by any means necessary. Embrace this new thing He is doing in your life with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, regardless of the cost or circumstance, knowing this new in you will be the greatest good you could ever receive.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 