Turning a page . . .

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. . . This people I have formed for Myself, they shall declare My praise. (Isaiah 43:18-19, 21)

Isaiah writes these words to direct the Jewish people and remind them of their God. He encourages them to not focus on their failures of the past but to trust the God who has always been faithful. 

Yet even as they are reminded, God still says His people failed Him. Their offereings were not proper and their sins horrific. He offered grace but to no avail. Israel would be dealt with by Almighty God. 

Will we make the same mistakes of last year? Will we go back to the same patterns of failure? God is offering us grace and a fresh start as well. 

Let's learn from our past and surge forward in His grace and in obedience! Let's allow our lives to declare the praises of our God!