“See I am doing a new thing
Now it springs up; Do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the deserts and
Streams in the wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
Living in a world that demands so much, constantly requiring us to give every ounce of ourselves to our careers and other things attaching themselves to us, has caused some to stop looking and expecting change. I learned a valuable lesson while participating in a Zumba Gold exercise class at the local YMCA. Gold means moderate pace. This was my second time being in the class. The first time was challenging in keeping up with the routines and by the end of class I was discouraged. If I had attended this class prior to loosing 85% of vision during surgery in 2011, I would have zoomed through the Zumba routines like a graceful butterfly landing on each flower perfectly. This time was different. Something surprising and amazing happened this second time around. As I intentionally focused on the instructor’s movement, suddenly I felt the presence of God and His peace in a joyful way. My heart was filled with joy and tears filled my eyes as I flowed through the routines beyond my expectations. This was a new encounter with God in an unlikely place and at an un-scheduled time. It was as though Almighty God in the power of His Spirit met me on the corner at the intersection cross street of truth where I was about to become stuck in a spiritual dry place.
God reminded the Prophet Isaiah of His plans and good will for Israel when He said, “See I Am doing a new thing, now it springs up; Do you not perceive it? I Am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Notice God’s question to Isaiah “Do you not perceive it? This question is still relevant for today.
I want you to know that with God nothing is impossible in Christ Jesus. Just like I focused on the Zumba Instructor to follow the routines, we are to focus on Christ with purpose intentionally being on the lookout for His Spirit to do new things in our lives. He can make a way in the midst of the dry desert areas in our lives and stream in living water for renewal. We don’t have to be stuck or desolate; in the strength of Christ our Deliverer and by the grace of God, we can emerge from the ashes of loss and disappointment. God’s love is eternal, His promises still exist and are being fulfilled every day. We know the wind blows, yet no one can see it, only what it touches. The Holy Spirit lives in every disciple of Christ as promised, and if we are willing to “yield to the season of expectation” He will take us into new beginnings of mercy which are new every day. Let’s intentionally become people of faith who are standing on the “lookout” for God to do something new in us.
Prayer and Reflection: Lord Jesus, there have been too many times when I’ve accepted less from You. I became stagnant in looking for change and something new from You. Please forgive me. I humbly stand in position being a person looking for You to do a new thing in me. In Jesus Name!