MAKE ROOM FOR THE NEW | Northstar Church

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.” – Isaiah 43:18–21 (ESV)

Do you long for a new beginning in a certain area of your life and wonder where to start? There is something so powerful, exciting, and fascinating about the white sheet of paper, the blank canvas, the new chapter, the fresh morning, and the new year. We are thrilled at the possibility of starting again and anxious not to fail. The best preparation for a successful new beginning is making room for the new.

When God is doing something new, it sometimes requires us to step into the unknown, which may feel uncomfortable, scary, and even unpleasant at first. We might be tempted to hold on to the life we know where everything is familiar. But we must let go of the old, trust God, and embrace what He is doing. Otherwise, we will miss out on all the good things God wants to do for us and through us.

Take Abraham, for instance. God did a new thing in Abraham’s life when He asked Abraham to leave his land, his family, and everything he had ever known to go to a new place. Abraham decided to trust God and abandon his old life. And through his obedience, the nation of Israel came to be. Likewise, with Paul, after he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, he accepted his new role as an apostle to the Gentiles and let go of his old life as a Pharisee. Paul’s teachings make up about half of the New Testament.

There is a Calvin and Hobbes comic strip that shows young Calvin saying to Hobbes, “Resolutions? Me?? Just what are you implying? What do I need to change? Well, buddy, as far as I’m concerned, I’m perfect the way I am!”

Hopefully, we all recognize that we are far from perfect the way we are. Even those who know Christ know we often can improve in one or more areas. Jesus has come to make all things new, starting with us, His people.

Will you let Him? Are you ready for something new?

Discussion Questions:

Would you like to have something new or a fresh start in your life?
What must you do to be prepared for what God wants to do in your life?