Learn from our past without dwelling on it, live in the present with gratitude, and look forward to the future with hope, trusting in God's promise of renewal and new beginnings.
Good morning, family! Today, we're going to dive into a rich and inspiring passage from the Book of Isaiah.
But before we do that, let's take a moment to consider these words from Woodrow Kroll: "The God who made us also can remake us." We've all got things in our past that we cling to, but God wants to do a new thing in our lives, today and every day.
Our Scripture passage for today is Isaiah 43:18-19:
"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."
What a powerful promise! It's all about remembering the past without being stuck in it, embracing the present with gratitude, and anticipating the future with hope. That's the journey we'll be embarking on today.
So, let’s bow our heads and open our hearts in prayer
Dear Lord, we ask for the wisdom to learn from our past, the courage to accept and thrive in our present, and the faith to look forward to the future You have planned for us. Guide us through Your word today and help us to truly understand the depth of Your love and the promise of Your renewal. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Alright, let's dive in and see what God has in store for us today.
In our journey through life, the past serves as a significant component of our identity and spiritual growth. It is a collection of experiences, lessons, and memories that have shaped us into who we are today. However, it's crucial to remember that while the past is a part of us, it doesn't define us. Our text today, Isaiah 43:18-19, begins with a clear instruction: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past." This does not mean we should erase our past or ignore the lessons it has taught us. Instead, it's a call to let go of any negative hold the past may have on us.
A complex process: It involves acknowledging our past experiences, both good and bad, and understanding how they have influenced our present. It's about recognizing the victories and blessings we've enjoyed, as well as the mistakes we've made and the challenges we've overcome. This process of remembering can be a source of wisdom and strength, as we learn from our experiences and use them to navigate our present and future.
Not all memories are beneficial: Some memories, particularly those of past hurts, mistakes, or failures, can be painful and debilitating. They can keep us stuck in a cycle of regret, guilt, or bitterness, preventing us from moving forward and experiencing the new things God wants to do in our lives. This is why the prophet Isaiah, speaking God's words, tells us not to dwell on the past. Dwelling on the past means allowing it to control our thoughts, emotions, and actions in the present. It means living in a state of constant regret or bitterness, unable to accept God's forgiveness and renewal.
A call to release the past's negative hold on us: It's about letting go of past hurts, forgiving those who have wronged us, and accepting God's forgiveness for our own mistakes. It's about learning from our past without allowing it to dictate our present or future. This is a crucial step in our spiritual growth and renewal, as it frees us to fully experience and participate in the new things God is doing in our lives.
Celebrating the victories and blessings we've experienced: These memories serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and love, encouraging us in times of doubt or difficulty. They remind us of God's power and presence in our lives, inspiring us to trust Him with our future. However, even these positive memories should not become a source of complacency or pride. We must always remember that our past victories and blessings are not the result of our own efforts, but the result of God's grace and mercy. They are not an excuse to rest on our laurels, but a call to continue seeking God's will and purpose for our lives.
Remember God's past actions: The Bible is filled with stories of God's faithfulness and love, from the creation of the world to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. These stories remind us of God's power, wisdom, and love, inspiring us to trust Him with our present and future. They remind us that God is always at work, even when we can't see it, and that He is always doing a new thing in our lives.
Embracing the present is about acknowledging where we are right now, in this moment, and understanding that God is actively working in our lives ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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