Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.

Isaiah 43:19 The Message

Beloved, what thoughts or emotions do these scriptures bring up for you? Are you encouraged and hopeful? Are you hesitant or skeptical? Without judgment, simply see what comes up for you.

Perhaps, pause, and invite Jesus into this experience with you.

Personally and professionally, I have noticed a lot of change these days.

I wouldn't say change is my favorite, but I don't necessarily hate change either. I have seen wonderful changes in my health over the last couple of months. This has come through a time a tremendous struggle though. That part of the "change" journey was very painful at times.

Professionally, we have needed to make changes as well. The result has been wonderful, but the process was arduous to say the least!

I traveled back to the beginning of Isaiah 43 to see how it opens up to better understand the context...

"Now, this is what Yahweh says:

“Listen, Jacob, to the One who created you, Israel, to the one who shaped who you are. Do not fear, for I, your Kinsman-Redeemer, will rescue you. I have called you by name, and you are mine.

When you pass through the deep, stormy sea,

you can count on me to be there with you." Isaiah 43: 1- 2a TPT

There are two notes from the Passion version commentaries that shed a great deal of light for us.

1) Jacob was created, but Israel was formed. God forms (transforms) Jacob into Israel. God is seen here as the one who changes the nature of man. (See Genesis 32:28)

2) God's method of deliverance is often not "out of" but "through." His presence as we go through difficulties becomes our deliverance. (See Psalm 23:4)

Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.

Psalm 23:4 The Message

Friend, I had an Ah-Ha! moment when I read these words. Jacob was transformed from "supplanter, schemer, trickster, swindler" (Jacob) to "contender with God" (Israel) through the night of wrestling with the Angel of the Lord!

Dear One, our God has promised that He is making all things new. That promise appears throughout scripture in both the Old and New Testaments (see also Matthew 19:28 and Revelation 21:5). God's word doesn't return to Him void, but it accomplishes everything He set it out to do (Is. 55:11)! Truly, all things will be made new. You can count on it!

How though?

Well, I had a bit of insight during the personal challenges I recently experienced...

I can see myself being formed...maybe even being revealed (see Romans 8:19 about God revealing us! It's worth a read.) I can also see His Presence as my deliverance, healing, restoring, and transforming me!

I wonder if you could put your name into the verses from Isaiah and meditate on this for a moment:

Now, this is what Yahweh says: “Listen, (your name), to the One who created you, (your name or maybe you have a name the Lord has given you that you want to substitute here), to the one who shaped who you are. Do not fear, for I, your Kinsman-Redeemer, will rescue you. I have called you by name, and you are mine. When you pass through the deep, stormy sea, you can count on me to be there with you...(your name), Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.

May you recognize that Abba, Jesus, and Holy Spirit are with you as you move "through" this life...challenges and joys!

May you be blessed and revealed as the child of God you truly are! (Jacob was blessed and revealed/transformed.)

May you have eyes to see that all things are truly being made new!