I have a close friend I've known since secondary school. Though life has taken us in different directions, she will visit me occasionally when she is back in town. During her last visit, I shared about starting the homeschool. She listened with a mix of surprise and admiration and then said something that struck me:
"Every time we meet, you always have something new and exciting going on in your life. It's like your life is never stuck but always full of fresh opportunities and new adventures."
Her words made me pause. It wasn't that I was actively chasing these "new things" —most of the time, they came as surprises, challenges, or invitations I didn't plan for. But they've been a recurring pattern in my life, from starting a christian bookstore, becoming a teacher, a health coach, and now starting a homeschool. And I know exactly why: God is the one doing new things in my life.
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." —Isaiah 43:18-19
This verse reminds us that it's not about our efforts or striving. It's about God's faithfulness and creativity in our lives. He is the one who brings fresh opportunities, opens doors we didn't expect, and leads us into exciting new seasons.
God’s New Thing in My Life
Starting the homeschool was not something I envisioned. It wasn’t in my plans for this year, nor was it something I felt fully prepared for. Yet, here I am, watching God pave the way in what felt like a wilderness of uncertainty.
Like streams in a dry wasteland, God has been providing everything we need for this adventure —students, teachers, a perfect place, and encouragement from people like my friend. Her comment reminded me that the "new things" in my life are not my doing but God's.
And the best part? This promise isn't just for me. It's for you, too.
God Is Doing a New Thing in Your Life
Isaiah 43:18-19 is a reminder that God is constantly at work in our lives, doing something new. You may not see it yet, but He’s already setting things in motion.
Maybe you’ve entered 2025 with a heavy heart, wondering if anything will change. Perhaps you’ve been praying for breakthrough in your career, relationships, or personal growth. Or maybe you feel like life is stagnant, stuck in the same routines with no clear direction.
Here’s the truth: God’s plans for you are not stalled. He is doing a new thing, even now.
How to Recognize the New Thing
The verse says, “Do you not perceive it?” Sometimes, God’s new thing begins quietly, like a seed planted in faith. It requires us to be spiritually alert and attentive to His work. Here are three ways you can prepare your heart to see and embrace the new thing God is doing:
Let Go of the Past
Holding onto past regrets, failures, or even past successes can prevent us from seeing the new opportunities God is bringing. Trust Him enough to release the former things and open your heart to His plans.Stay Connected to God
Spend time in prayer and His Word. Ask Him to reveal what He’s doing in your life. The more connected you are to Him, the more you’ll recognize His hand in your circumstances.Take Small Steps of Faith
When God opens a door, step through it, even if it feels uncertain. Trust that He is guiding you and will equip you for the journey ahead.
Streams in the Wasteland
For many of us, life can sometimes feel like a wilderness—pressures from work, financial uncertainties, or personal struggles can leave us feeling dry and weary. But God’s promise is this: He will make streams in the wasteland.
This means He brings refreshment and provision in the most unexpected places. He doesn’t just leave us to navigate the challenges of life alone; He actively works to renew and restore us.
A New Thing for You This Year
As my friend pointed out, my life has been filled with exciting new seasons. But this isn’t because of anything I’ve done—it’s because of God’s faithfulness. And the same God who does new things in my life is ready to do something new in yours.
This year, I encourage you to take time to perceive what God is doing. Let go of the past, lean into His presence, and trust that He is making a way for you, even in areas that seem impossible.
A Prayer for You
Lord, thank You for the promise that You are doing a new thing in my life. Help me to let go of the past and trust Your plan for my future. Open my eyes to see the new opportunities You are bringing, and give me the courage to step forward in faith. Thank You for making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Amen.
This year, let’s walk into God’s new thing with boldness and faith. He is faithful, and His plans are always good.
💬 Reflection Question: What new thing do you sense God is doing in your life this year? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to encourage you!
