As we transition from one year into another, know that new things are coming!
God is at work in our world. Isaiah 43:19 says, “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.” In other words, God will do new things that only He can do!
And doing new things is His way! Let’s look at examples of how God does new things in us and around us. When we see changes happening beyond human control, God is at work. And we can trust the One who says, “I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Transformation - New Things Within
When we receive Jesus Christ as Savior, we experience something entirely new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Praise God, He delivers us from the power of darkness and transfers us to the Kingdom of His dear son (Colossians 1:13). That’s new!
And we continue to experience newness as we proceed on a journey of transformation. You see, God’s divine priority is to conform believers into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. Along our life’s journey, new things will continually happen within us and through us! The Apostle Paul conveys this truth: “Be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him” (Colossians 3:10).
Believers who pursue relationship with God and yield to the work of His Spirit will live lives that align more and more with God’s blueprint. And we will become more like Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). Our lives will confirm that God’s will is good, acceptable, and perfect (Romans 12:2).
Changing Circumstances – New Things Without
But, you might ask, does God also change the circumstances around us? Indeed, He does. I’ll share examples of God’s hand in the lives of the prophetess Anna, the children of Israel, and my dad James Killian. God is well able to align our lives with His will and way.
Anna, the Prophetess. The account of Anna reminds us to never give up on situations changing for us! Anna was an 84-year-old prophetess whose husband died early in their marriage. Afterward, she chose to serve God in the temple as an intercessor for decades (Luke 2:36-38). After so many years, who would expect something new?
But one day, Mary and Joseph came to the temple with the baby Jesus. At that exact time, Anna was present to behold the Christ, the Son of the Living God. What an honor bestowed upon her! She praised God and prophesied to all who sought deliverance and redemption (Luke 2:38). Anna experienced something divine and life-affirming! In her old age, her faith became sight.
The Children of Israel. As the children of Israel journeyed through the wilderness, God knew they could not meet their own needs for food and water. They were great in number. So, in His mercy, God did something new. He provided manna. The word manna means “what is it?” God gave them bread from heaven that they had never seen before (Exodus 16:14-21).
God would not allow them to store it. If they did, it spoiled. Think about that. God obligated Himself to provide something new for them daily. And in the Lord’s prayer, Jesus taught the disciples to pray: “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). Jesus affirmed that the Father loves to sustain us daily.
My Dad. Allow me to share this story about my dad, who is now with the Lord. God did a new thing for my dad at 85 years of age. Dad needed hip replacement surgery, and God led us to an excellent surgeon. Dad recovered beautifully and bubbled over with joy for God’s goodness to him. He could walk without the assistance of a cane.
He shared with me one day about sitting on his porch and singing: “Good morning to you! Good morning to you! We’re all in our places, with bright shining faces. This is the way to start a new day.” You see, dad sang this song as a young school boy. As a teacher and principal, he taught this same song to his students.
He remembered the joys of earlier days and now lifted his voice to thank God for a new hip in his old age. He was refreshed (Acts 3:19)! In each season of life, God works to do “great and mighty things which we know not” (Jeremiah 33:3). Let’s prepare our hearts to receive.
All Things New One Day
And one day, the book of Revelation tells us that all things will become new: “And He that sat upon the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new. And He said unto me [John], Write: for these words are true and faithful” (Revelation 21:5).
These words from the book of Revelation have not been fulfilled. Yet, while we’re here on earth, God has extended the opportunity for us to experience new life and new hope. The song “Blessed Assurance” says it best: “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine…” Yes, on earth, God gives us a foretaste of His eternal glory and the newness to come. Receive!
Please pray this prayer with me: “Father, I glorify you and thank you for your great love for me. Open my heart to receive new things in you. Thank you for my daily bread; you meet the needs of my life. And thank you also for new mercies you bring to me each day. Restore my joy in You. Refresh me. Teach me to serve and honor You in a way that glorifies and pleases You. In Jesus‘ name, I pray. Amen.“
