Life is in a constant state of transition. Whether it be something significant or something small, it is happening within and around us. Everything is always in a process of change.
Earlier this week I woke up early to pray knowing that it was already set to be a day of great and significant transition for me. As I opened my Bible, I found myself drawn to Isaiah 43:18-21:
“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert…because I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My people, My chosen. This people I have formed for Myself; they shall declare My praise.”
This passage is very special to me right now for more than one reason. I will share more of that with you soon. For now let me encourage you to embrace this day and every day that follows with a renewed sense of purpose.
I hear the Lord saying to you and to me, “Don’t Look Back!”
“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old.”
It is time to take your eyes off of your past DEFEATS and OFFENSES. Learn from them? Yes! Then move forward. Your future is not in your past. To dwell where you failed or focus upon the wounds you have received serves no purpose for today. Today is a day to forgive the past, and move forward into your future.
It’s time to take your eyes off your past POSITIONS and LIMITATIONS. It’s an easy trap when you put too much emphasis on the accomplishments or roles of the past. I’ve met many who can tell me all they HAVE DONE, yet are at a loss to say what they ARE DOING. Again there is no future in your past! Yesterday has already been celebrated, today has a new challenge.
Likewise it’s an easy trap to put too much emphasis on the limitations of your past. You remember when you didn’t have enough finances, the knowledge, or strength to accomplish a dream. You blamed it on your limitations and moved on to other things. NO! If the Lord has spoken something to you, trust me when I say that HE HAS NOT CHANGED HIS MIND! He has not limited you, so don’t limit yourself. Move forward, forgetting those things that are behind you and pressing forward to those things you have not yet obtained!
“I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?”
I’ll say it again, YOUR FUTURE IS NOT IN YOUR PAST! There is no point staying any longer in the place where nothing can happen. God is not looking behind you to figure out what is ahead of you. So you don’t need to do it either. Today is a brand new day! Today is a new season! The Lord has promised to bring forth something suddenly in this new season. Don’t miss it because you were driving forward, but still looking in the rear view mirror.
“I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert…because I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My people, My chosen. This people I have formed for Myself; they shall declare My praise.”
The picture here is of a sudden, supernatural, forceful flood of water that comes up unexpectedly to bring water in a land that is desperately in need of it. It creates a road, a way in the midst of the wilderness.
Someone needs to hear this! You may feel dry and parched. You may feel as if there is no way forward. You may wonder where to take your next step or find your next drink. The answer lies not in the past, but before you. Don’t look back and remember the old days. Look forward and see where the Lord is working at this very moment. I promise you He is! Right where you are you can see His mighty hand moving on your behalf.
