“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.” (Isaiah 43:18–19, ESV)
These words fell across my screen for the second time today.
I took note the first time I read them this morning. A friend had posted them on his social media page. I was reminded of the promise I felt the first time I read them.
Five years ago, a friend pointed me to this verse. It was about six months before I chose to leave a 20-year career as a high school science teacher. I was experiencing quite a few changes at the time, and my friend reassured me that God was making a new way for me even in the midst of the challenges I was facing. I needed to hear that there was water in the parched land I was in at the time. I needed to hear the reminder of God’s promise to make a new way.
Fast forward to the present.
I recently completed an MA in counseling psychology – the transition from one career to another, the “way” I felt Him calling me. Three years of classes. A year and a half of internship experiences. Another year of post-graduate training, learning, and growing. A wide and vast desert in which I questioned His calling, questioned this new direction, doubted my sanity.
And I was wondering (again) if this was the right move. If this was a wise move – to leave the security of a salaried position, really good benefits, very close proximity to home, a familiar community, a familiar pace, a familiar rhythm. Did I really hear God’s voice, God’s call to a new place, a new pace, a new way of serving and ministering to others, a new way of being?
Five hours later today.
There it was, again, on another friend’s page. The promise, “I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert….”
I responded to my friend, “Second time I saw this today!! Was the verse I received just as I began my career change… Much needed affirmation – thank you for posting!”
She replied to me, “God is saying something to you. In Deuteronomy, God repeated for a second time all He said, because He wanted to make sure His people were listening.”
Okay. I am listening. And I remember. I remember God made a promise to me. I remember, He faithfully carried me through this time of transition. I remember, there are new things coming out of this journey – new life, new hope, new call, new ministry – things I can already see, things others are seeing in me – growth, change, goodness, and kindness.
*Sigh* I breathe deep.
I can rest, reminded again, in His promise today. I can rest in His goodness made evident. And I can rest in the hope of new things to come.
That is what I choose for this year – Hope.
Happy New Year.
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Erin O’Connor’s favorite name to be called is “Grandma,” and she enjoys making crafts with her granddaughter. Erin also has two grown children, lives in a suburb of Chicago, and is a professional counselor. She enjoys mentoring others, reading, writing, and seeing God’s handiwork in nature. Erin is a contributing author of several devotionals published in Quiet Reflections of Hope. Erin has begun her journey of experiencing kindness from God, with others, and for herself.
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Thank you for sharing part of your journey, Erin. Remembering is so, so key for us being able to rest and move into the future without fear. I celebrate the goodness of God’s faithfulness to you, and look forward to good reports in the future.
Kelli,
Thank you for your kind words. They encourage me today.
Erin
You are welcome!
Sitting still enough to hear when “God is saying something to you ….”
Being still ~
Listening ~ God often speaks very quietly…. oh yes.
So good to see your lovely face here…and hear your heart. Reminders ARE good…I can hear the invitation to keep our eyes open to watch for the “new thing”, to trust that it will come about and will be good. I am joining you in that hope this morning!