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 wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
- Isaiah 43:18-19
Have you ever felt weighed down by your past?
As we journey through life in our walk with God, we must refuse to allow the past to define us.
Oftentimes, the enemy will try to remind us of our past in the hopes of causing us shame and delay us in fulfilling our calling here on earth.
What a fool he is!
Because Jesus died on the cross, He has already paid the price in full for our guilt and shame… past, present, and future!
In times when we feel like we have run into a brick wall, it may be because we are forecasting our past into our present and future.
Satan will try to shoot arrows against our minds in the form of illusions concerning our future.
He will cast doubt for what lies ahead.
When this happens, your job is to not give up!
The truth is that your future is firmly planted in God’s hands. Not once has He let you slip from His fingers or allowed you to be stolen from Him.
As a beloved child of the Most High, your duty is to keep believing God can do wondrous things for you and through you.
If you feel like you are in the midst of a dry wilderness, refuse to be halted by the obstacles that come your way!
Keep moving forward in child-like trust and dependency on the Lord, knowing that He wants what’s best for you and will be faithful in delivering you safely!
No matter how small, each step you take while grasping the Lord’s hand will enable the path before you to gradually open.
Where there once seemed to be no way, now lies a new path of hopeful abundance!
TODAY: Know that the Lord is doing a new thing in you, for you, and through you. He is saying to let go of the former things, and look to Him regarding the future. Rejoice, for a new stream of His faithful abundance is springing forth amid the barren wasteland!
With Love,
Sarah Sherstad
Moving forward isn't always easy. Sometimes we hold on to the past because it's familiar, even when God may be inviting us into something new. We may carry old disappointments, regrets, or fears about what comes next. But we don't have to know the whole path to take the next step with Him.
As you reflect on Isaiah 43:18–19, give yourself space to be honest about what you're holding on to and ask God to open your eyes to where He may be working in your life today.
Journal & Reflect
- What am I still holding on to from the past? Are there disappointments, regrets, or familiar patterns that make it difficult to move forward?
Where do I feel stuck right now? What situation seems like a wilderness, and how can I invite God into it?
What might God be doing in my life that I haven't noticed yet? Consider the small ways He may be growing your faith, changing your perspective, or opening your heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Isaiah 43:18–19 mean?
Isaiah 43:18–19 encourages God's people not to remain focused on former things but to recognize His work in the present and trust Him for what lies ahead. The imagery of a road in the wilderness and streams in the desert points to God's power to bring hope and a way forward where none seems possible.
What does it mean when God says He is doing a new thing?
It reminds us that God is able to work in unexpected ways. A new thing may involve a change in circumstances, a new opportunity, or a deeper work within our hearts. We can remain attentive to His leading without assuming every new opportunity is automatically His direction.
Does letting go of the past mean forgetting what happened?
No. Letting go doesn't mean denying your experiences or pretending painful things never happened. It means allowing God to help you process the past without letting it define your identity or determine every decision you make moving forward.
How can I recognize the new thing God is doing in my life?
Make space for prayer, Scripture, and reflection. Pay attention to areas where you're growing, lessons you're learning, and opportunities to respond in faith. Ask God for wisdom and remain open to His guidance, even when the next step seems small.
What should I do when I feel stuck and can't see a way forward?
Start with what you know: God is present, and you can bring Him your uncertainty. Pray honestly, seek wise counsel when needed, and focus on the next faithful step rather than trying to solve everything at once.
How can journaling help me move into a new season?
Journaling gives you a place to process emotions, identify what you're ready to release, and record what you're learning about God. Looking back on your entries can also help you recognize growth and remember His faithfulness through seasons of change.
Prayer
Father,
Thank You that my past does not have to define my future. You know the things I'm holding on to, the disappointments I still carry, and the uncertainty I feel about what comes next. Help me release what is keeping me from moving forward with You. Open my eyes to the new things You may be doing, even when they begin quietly or look different than I expected. When I cannot see the way ahead, remind me that I can trust Your guidance one step at a time. Give me courage to let go, faith to begin again, and a heart that stays open to Your leading.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Message from Kara
Sometimes moving forward means giving ourselves permission to stop living in what was.
Maybe there's a disappointment you're still carrying, a season you wish had gone differently, or a future that feels a little uncertain. I hope this Scripture reminds you that you don't have to have everything figured out to trust God with what's next.
He can bring new growth from seasons that felt barren. He can open a way when you can't see one. And sometimes, the first new thing He does is gently change what's happening in your own heart.
As you go about your day, take a breath and ask Him to help you notice where He's at work. You don't need to rush into the next season. Just stay close to Him and take the next step in faith. I'm praying you feel renewed hope for what lies ahead.
With Love,
Kara 🤍
Applying this to your Daily Routine
Take time to reflect, pray, and process what God is teaching you through every season. Our Personalized Prayer Journal was designed to help you grow deeper in faith—one day at a time–turning intention into habit. Many people use journals to revisit verses like these and reflect throughout the week.
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Today's devotional pairs beautifully with the Momentum Personalized Scripture Journal
If you want to grow deeper in your daily life and reflection, these devotionals can help:
Daily Devotional • Hebrews 12:15 • Letting Go of Bitterness
Daily Devotional • Ephesians 4:26 • Handling Anger Without Letting It Lead
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