A New Thing: Embracing God's Fresh Start

A New Thing: Embracing God's Fresh Start

Scripture Reading Isaiah 43:18–19 (NIV) “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.”

God spoke these words through the prophet Isaiah to His people in exile—feeling lost, defeated, and trapped in the consequences of their past. He urged them not to cling to old failures or even past glories, because He was about to act in powerful, unexpected ways. Just as He once parted the Red Sea, He promised a new path through impossible places: a road in the barren wilderness and life-giving streams in the dry wasteland.

This promise points forward to the ultimate new thing—Jesus Christ, who offers redemption and renewal to all who trust in Him. Today, these verses remind us that no matter our history, God specializes in new beginnings.

A True Story of New Beginnings Consider the life of Chuck Colson, a powerful political figure in the 1970s as special counsel to President Richard Nixon. Colson was known for his ruthlessness—he once boasted he would "run over his own grandmother" to ensure Nixon's re-election. But during the Watergate scandal, everything crumbled. Facing disgrace, arrest, and imprisonment for his role in the cover-up, Colson's world fell apart. He hit rock bottom, dwelling on his past ambitions, mistakes, and shattered reputation.

In prison, Colson encountered Jesus Christ through a friend's testimony and reading the Bible. He surrendered his life to God, experiencing profound forgiveness and transformation. What seemed like the end became God's "new thing." After his release, Colson founded Prison Fellowship, a ministry that has brought hope, Bible studies, and rehabilitation to millions of inmates worldwide. He often reflected on Isaiah 43:18–19, saying God turned his wasteland of shame into streams of purpose. Colson's story shows that God doesn't define us by our past failures—He redeems them for a fresh start that impacts eternity.

Like Colson, many of us carry regrets: broken relationships, poor choices, or seasons of spiritual dryness. But God invites us to release them and look ahead.

Reflection and Application

• What "former things" are you dwelling on today? Hand them to God in prayer, trusting He remembers your sins no more (Isaiah 43:25).

• Ask: "Lord, what new thing are You doing in my life? Help me perceive it." Open your eyes to fresh opportunities, healed relationships, or renewed purpose.

• In your wilderness—whether financial hardship, grief, or uncertainty—trust that God is carving a path and bringing streams of living water (John 4:14).

Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for not leaving us stuck in the past. Forgive us for clinging to old wounds or glories, and open our eyes to the new thing You are doing. Make a way where there seems to be no way, and let streams of Your grace flow in our dry places. Transform our lives like You did for Your people—and for Chuck Colson—so we may walk in the freedom and purpose You have for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

May this new year (and every day) be marked by God's fresh work in you! See, He is doing a new thing—do you not perceive it?