As we step into a new year, there’s a sense of hope and anticipation that fills the air. It is a time to dream, plan, and set new goals. But beyond the resolutions and ambitions, the promise of something new from God stands as an encouragement to those who trust in Him.
Isaiah 43:19 declares, “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”
What does this mean, and how does it relate to our lives today, especially as we look forward to the year ahead?
In Isaiah’s context, God’s promise of “a new thing” was a declaration of hope for the Israelites in exile. They had experienced defeat, displacement, and despair, yet God assured them that their story wasn’t over. He was about to do something unprecedented: bringing deliverance and restoration in ways they could not have imagined.
Today, this promise remains relevant to us. It reminds us that God is not limited by our circumstances. He is a God of renewal, capable of transforming our deserts into rivers of life and making a way where there seems to be none. For Christians, this promise points to the ultimate new thing God has done through Jesus Christ, bringing salvation and eternal life to all who believe.
Trusting God for something new requires faith. Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Trusting God means believing in His ability to work beyond what we can see or understand. It is an acknowledgment that He is sovereign, loving, and faithful. When we trust God for new things, we position ourselves to receive His blessings. We stop relying solely on our efforts and embrace His divine power at work in our lives. It is this trust that fuels our hope, even in the face of setbacks and challenges.
One of the greatest barriers to experiencing God’s new things is an unhealthy fixation on the past. Past failures, disappointments, and even successes can hinder our ability to move forward. Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us, “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), and He invites us to focus on His plans rather than our regrets. By releasing the weight of the past, we free ourselves to embrace the future God has in store.
Some might wonder if trusting God for something good in the new year is mere wishful thinking. The answer lies in understanding God’s character. Romans 8:28 reassures us, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”
Trusting God isn’t about denying reality or pretending that challenges don’t exist. Instead, it’s about recognizing that God is greater than our circumstances and that His plans for us are good (Jeremiah 29:11). It’s a confident hope rooted in His faithfulness.
While God’s promises are certain, we have a part to play in aligning ourselves with His purposes. We do this by:
- Seeking God: Spending time in prayer and the Word, asking God to reveal His plans for you.
- Obeying His Guidance: Be willing to step out in faith when God prompts you to act.
- Letting Go of Sin and Distractions: Lay aside anything that hinders your walk with God (Hebrews 12:1).
- Staying Expectant: Keeping your heart open to the unexpected ways God may work.
Scripture is filled with stories of individuals who trusted God for new things:
- Abaraham left his homeland, trusting God to lead him to a new land and fulfill His promise of a great nation (Genesis 12:1-4).
- Joseph, despite betrayal and imprisonment, trusted God to bring about something new, eventually rising to a position of power in Egypt (Genesis 50:20).
- Jesus’ desciples left their former lives to follow Him, trusting Him to lead them into a new purpose (Matthew 4:19-20).
Each of these examples highlights the transformative power of trusting God and stepping into the new things He has prepared.
As we begin this new year, let us embrace the promise of Isaiah 43:19. Trust that God has something new and beautiful in store, no matter what challenges or uncertainties lie ahead. Let us release the past, hold on to His promises, and walk forward in faith.
If you are yet to know the Lord as your Saviour, this is the perfect time to invite Him into your life. Jesus Christ offers the ultimate new beginning, transforming hearts and lives. Do not let this opportunity pass you by. Trust in Him, and experience the joy of walking in His plans for you.
This year, let us trust that God has everything under control and look forward with hope, knowing that He is always faithful to His word.
Something new is on the horizon. Will you be a part of it?
