Do-Over

“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19

Children often live in the wonderful world of imagination. They make up secret codes and play with stuffed animals as if they were real dinner guests. If they don’t like the way something is going, they can just stop and have a do-over. How I wish do-overs could translate into adulthood!

Maybe that’s why so many adults enjoy the celebration of New Year’s. Technically, it’s just another sunset and sunrise, but there’s something about the turning of the calendar that gives us the hope of a do-over. We are so committed to the grown-up version of a do-over that we make resolutions to prove it even though statistically, fewer than 8% of people actually stick to their resolutions each year.

Isaiah 43 finds God’s people, Israel, in need of a do-over. It was during Israel’s exile in Babylon that the Lord speaks these words through the prophet Isaiah. “Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing,” He gives them hope that their salvation will come - a divine do-over.  

God promises to make a road in the wilderness. Roads are designed for one thing: to move people from one place to another. God would lead His people out of captivity. He also promised rivers in the desert. Water is necessary for life. God was reminding Israel that even in their captivity, He would supply the life-giving waters of His presence to sustain them.

If you are looking for a do-over this New Year, instead of making a resolution that 92% of you won’t keep, fix your eyes on the One who supplies the life-giving waters of His presence and will make a road in your wilderness to lead you to a better place.

Happy New Year.