Word of God provides direction and encouragement

In Isaiah 43:18-19, the Lord says, “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.”

This is a promise given by the Lord to his people. God, who cannot lie, does not change his mind and remains forever faithful to us, has provided us an encouraging word to carry us through a difficult time. The Bible is alive, inspired by the Holy Spirit to provide direction, protection and encouragement. Let us obey the Lord’s instruction and receive by faith the word of God for a time such as this.

First, the Lord says, “Do not call to mind the former things or ponder things of the past.” We are facing a new day. Some of us are going through trials and tests of life that we have never faced before. What we are experiencing today cannot be handled with the knowledge or wisdom of any one person.

Leaning on our own understanding, or placing our faith in anyone other than the Lord, will not provide us with the rest or peace needed for such a time as this. For sure, many of life’s lessons are learned during the most difficult of times. But we are in a place that even those experiences are not enough to provide us with the understanding or wisdom to find a solution.

It is clear in Scripture, in this very word of instruction, that we should not look back to remember how it was, in order to figure things out. If we look back, we are distracted from moving forward. No matter how difficult, how fearful the times, how it may look now, we must offensively focus on moving forward.

God is a very present help in times of trouble and today he will provide what is needed. Making a conscious decision with a faith filled attitude to obey this Scripture will provide the springboard for better days and will remove the burden of worry and fear from our lives. Change, as challenging as it may be, is a good thing. To change is to grow.

Second, the Lord says, “I will do something new, now it will spring forward, will you not be aware of it?” Believe the Lord for better days. As we are walking through life, there are ordained stops that take place. Those stops are the red lights, but soon the light will turn green and we will be on our way. Just as we were instructed not to look to the past, now we are instructed to look ahead.

Keeping our eyes focused on the Lord, and moving forward each day with faith filled expectation, knowing that God is working on our behalf. With faith building on the inside of us, we can believe for something new and better for our lives, our families, our communities and our country. Seeds planted in the ground will produce a harvest.

Eventually, what we believe God for will come to pass. God wants us to trust him, beseech him in prayer, believe his word and watch for him to fulfill what he has promised.

Our part is to pray and believe. Our part is to place our trust in him. Our part is to thank him when it happens. Watch and pray. Stand still and we will see the salvation of the Lord on our behalf.

Third, the Lord says, “I will even make a roadway in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Although what we may be going through today is a dry, desert time the Lord has promised he would make a way. He will bring springs of water and a time of refreshment into our lives even if it seems impossible. Growth is possible in a dry and desert time. Take a look ahead of you, there is a roadway provided for you today. It is a way of escape and the Lord is your provider. Take a drink. Taste and see that the Lord is good and will remain forever faithful to you.

XPatty Scahill of Austintown, who is a conference speaker, author and hospice chaplain, attends Christian Life Church in Canfield.