God’s New Thing
Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21
Exposition: Struggling to See God’s Work
Sometimes, we get so caught up in the struggles of today that we fail to see what God is doing. Israel faced this same issue. In Isaiah 43, God reminds His people of how He rescued them from Egypt but then tells them, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” This passage calls them to trust in His ongoing work, not just His past miracles.
This foreshadows Jesus, who brings about the ultimate new thing—salvation through His death and resurrection. Just as God made a way through the sea for Israel, He makes a way through sin and death for us. He is always working, even when we cannot yet perceive it.
Application: Trusting in God’s New Work
It’s easy to focus on past failures or assume that things will never change. But God calls us to open our eyes and recognize that He is at work, even in difficult seasons. Trusting in His promises means believing that He is bringing renewal, even when we cannot yet see it. By shifting our focus from past regrets to present faith, we walk in expectation of His transforming power.
Transform Our Heart Through Prayer
Lord, help me to trust that You are always at work in my life. Give me eyes to see the new thing You are doing. Free me from dwelling on the past and lead me forward in faith. Holy Spirit, renew my heart and guide me in Your will. Amen.
Exposition: Struggling to See God’s Work
Sometimes, we get so caught up in the struggles of today that we fail to see what God is doing. Israel faced this same issue. In Isaiah 43, God reminds His people of how He rescued them from Egypt but then tells them, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” This passage calls them to trust in His ongoing work, not just His past miracles.
This foreshadows Jesus, who brings about the ultimate new thing—salvation through His death and resurrection. Just as God made a way through the sea for Israel, He makes a way through sin and death for us. He is always working, even when we cannot yet perceive it.
Application: Trusting in God’s New Work
It’s easy to focus on past failures or assume that things will never change. But God calls us to open our eyes and recognize that He is at work, even in difficult seasons. Trusting in His promises means believing that He is bringing renewal, even when we cannot yet see it. By shifting our focus from past regrets to present faith, we walk in expectation of His transforming power.
Transform Our Heart Through Prayer
Lord, help me to trust that You are always at work in my life. Give me eyes to see the new thing You are doing. Free me from dwelling on the past and lead me forward in faith. Holy Spirit, renew my heart and guide me in Your will. Amen.
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February
The Lord’s Messenger Prepares the Way: Malachi 3:1-3A Dwelling Place for the Lord: Psalm 84The Depths of Sin and the Grace of God: Catechism Q18-24Jesus, Our Merciful High Priest: Hebrews 2:14-18A Light for the Nations: Luke 2:22-40God's Call in Our Weakness: Judges 6:11-24God’s Faithful Restoration: Psalm 85The Call to Faith and Repentance: Catechism (25-35)The Gospel That Transforms: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11A Call to Follow: Luke 5:1-11Roots in the Desert or Streams of Life?: Jeremiah 17:5-10The Search for Happiness: Psalm 1God's Mission and Family: Catechism (Q38-41)The Fear of the End: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20When Sucess Isn't Enough: Luke 6:17-26Good News for the Broken: Isaiah 61:1-4A New Song for a Weary World: Psalm 96The Call to Love and Obedience: Catechism (Questions 42-44)The Question of Belonging: Romans 10:9-17When Doubt Creeps In: John 20:19-31
March
Reflecting God's Glory: Exodus 34:29-35The Holiness of God: Psalm 99The Grace of Justification: Catechism (Questions 45-47)The Greatest Gift: 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13Seeing Jesus as He Truly Is: Luke 9:28-36A Story That Shapes Us: Deuteronomy 26:5-11Sheltered in God's Presence: Psalm 91:9-16Sanctification: Catechism (Questions 48-50)The Security of Salvation: Romans 10:4-13The Struggle with Temptation: Luke 4:1-13Faith in the Midst of Doubt: Genesis 15:1-18Seeking God in the Midst of Fear: Psalm 27:8-16The Assurance of Salvation (Questions 51-52)Our True CitizenshipJesus’ Compassion in the Face of RejectionCalled by God in the Midst of WeaknessThe Boundless Mercy of GodThe Role of Scripture in Our Lives (Questions 53-58)Standing Firm in the Face of TemptationThe Call to Repentance and FruitfulnessLeaving the Past Behind
April
Tasting and Seeing God’s GoodnessThe Power of Prayer (Questions 59-62)A New Creation in ChristThe Father’s Heart for the LostGod’s New ThingSowing in Tears, Reaping in JoyWalking in ObediencePressing On Toward the GoalRejecting or Receiving the CornerstoneThe Servant Who Brings JusticeA Prayer for Strength in Troubled TimesThe Gift of the Holy SpiritThe Lord’s Supper: Remembering His SacrificeIt Is FinishedMonday of Easter Week 1 – DevotionTuesday of Easter Week 1 – DevotionThe Church as the Body of Christ (17th Wednesday - Questions 73-76)