“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 desert and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:18-19
2009 has arrived in the midst of continuing uncertainty and turbulence. Many people are wondering if the new year will offer better prospects. As we thank God for His grace in the past year, we should also move on. The Bible says in the Book of Isaiah, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” God is not saying that the past things are unimportant but that He is the Living God and lives to make a difference every day of our lives. God delights in doing something new in our lives in His plans. They are the impossible things that He does. It is in the crises of life which also form the greatest opportunities. The Chinese word for crisis (wei-ji) includes the character for danger as well as opportunity. As we seek God's guidance for the new year, let us continue to put our trust and confidence in God who does not change and delights to do new and wonderful things in our lives.