Journeys

 

Isaiah 43:18-19 ESV 

18)“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 19)Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.

Isaiah repeated God's promise to bring His people out of captivity in Babylon and return them them to the land of Israel in verse 14.  It's clear that this this would be an act of God's covenant, faithfulness and mercy...not a result of His people's merits. The promise of Isaiah 43:18-19, must have reminded readers of the exodus from Egypt, when God saved their forefathers from bondage and led them through the wilderness.  But this exodus from Babylon would be better, since it would restore the Jews to their homeland from which they had been expelled because of their sins. 

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

This implies that even though the trip back to Israel would lead through treacherous territory, God would go ahead of the people and make a way.  

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Now I know this technically don't fit these two verses, but it just struck me that there is many of situations where we're allowed a chance to start again.  I got saved on June 6th of this year and then was baptized on July 26th.  This for me was a new beginning, a chance at a new start...a new journey.  Then in July I had knee surgery went back during the first part of September because I was still having problems with it. It was at that time I was told I was though running...the running career was over.  I however am not willing to accept that and started running a little a few weeks ago .  Now I realize I'll never run the same again, I'll never see a sub 4 hour marathon again and I'll never hit that sub 20 minute 5k goal, but I'll be running.  That's a new start, a chance to begin again, except this time I'll have more time to visit and talk during the race because I won't be worried about placing in my age group now. 

Maybe this is closer that I originally thought, I've not been expelled from a nation and help captive.  I have however been expelled from the dark and Satan's captivity.  I have been expelled from the captivity of sin in regards to the ego and selfish pride in being a competitive runner.  My trip/journey might be treacherous with test and trials, but God is keeping his promise of saving me a place in heaven for accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior and living to praise and to bring glory to His name.  

I really wish if you were curious about Jesus and how to come to know Him you would contact me, one of your other friends that know Him or I guess if you don't want to feel embarrassed (for no reason) you can look up the phone number for one of your local pastors and give them a call...I don't think they would mind.