https://odb.org/2024/08/13/behind-prison-bars
I think it is important as a believer that we grow and progress in our spiritual life and not remain stagnant or backslide. We must leave the past behind and move on, not just past disappointments and tragedies but also past victories and achievements. If David had remained only with his monumental victory over Goliath, he would have remained a child as though time stood still. Instead, he grew from victory to victory and became the most successful warrior-king in Israel’s history. With so much blood in his hands, the LORD did not permit him to build the Temple for Him, although He gave David the blueprints.
Isaiah 43:18–19 (NKJV):
18“Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
19Behold, 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.
God is always doing a new thing in our midst, to encourage us on, to lift us up so that we may fulfil His plans and purposes for our lives. As a church, we must find and discover God’s work in our midst. What is the new thing He is doing? Then, encourage our people to embark on that journey with God. There are new lands to conquer, like Joshua, new frontiers to overcome. Perhaps it is a mission trip. Perhaps it is an evangelistic rally. Perhaps it is a new outreach. Or is it a new initiative to feed the poor and hungry? A project to help the homeless and destitute?
Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old. I will do a new thing. I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Both the latter are now a reality in modern-day Israel. Will they be a reality in our lives? Can God make a road in the wilderness of our lives? God will make a way when there is no way. Can God make rivers in the desert places of our lives?
1 Corinthians 3:1–2 (NKJV):
1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able;
God is doing a new thing in our midst, and we have to grow up and not remain as babes, who can only take milk and who are still carnal. We can not be babies forever in the Lord. We need to grow in maturity in our knowledge of God and in our relationship with Him. We have to equip and prepare ourselves spiritually to serve Him in the new thing He is doing in our midst! Step out and step forth in faith! The Holy Spirit will lead and guide us!
Ronnie's Thoughts 