Making a way in the wilderness

Derek Munn February 27, 2026 2 2

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Isaiah 43: 14-21 (NIV)

14 This is what the Lord says—
    your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“For your sake I will send to Babylon
    and bring down as fugitives all the Babylonians,[a]
    in the ships in which they took pride.
15 I am the Lord, your Holy One,
    Israel’s Creator, your King.”

16 This is what the Lord says—
    he who made a way through the sea,
    a path through the mighty waters,
17 who drew out the chariots and horses,
    the army and reinforcements together,
and they lay there, never to rise again,
    extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
18 “Forget the former things;
    do not dwell on the past.
19 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.
20 The wild animals honor me,
    the jackals and the owls,
because I provide water in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland,
to give drink to my people, my chosen,
21     the people I formed for myself
    that they may proclaim my praise.

‘The same old!’ How often do you hear that phrase! Sometimes in life we can get stuck doing things in a certain way and before we know it life becomes a bit stale. Despite resistance — ‘Oh it’ll never work!’ — when we try something new it can often be refreshing and invigorating. Even if it doesn’t work, we’ve tried and learned something new from the experience.

Isaiah 43:14–21 feels like a breath of fresh air because it’s all about God creating something new right in the middle of places that feel stuck or worn out. The passage paints this hopeful picture of God making a path through the wilderness and streams in the desert, which is such a comforting reminder that He isn’t limited by what looks impossible to me. It’s as if God is gently saying, “Don’t get trapped in the past—I’m doing something new, even if you can’t see it yet.” That promise makes space for hope, especially in seasons where change feels slow or life feels dry, and it encourages us to stay open to the surprising ways God brings renewal.

Prayer:

Dear God,

as we sit with the promise of Isaiah 43:14–21, let its hope settle over all of us. Remind us that You are the One who makes a way even when the path feels hidden, and who brings new life into places that feel dry or worn out. Help us not to cling too tightly to the past but to stay open to the new things You are doing among us. Fill our hearts with trust, courage, and expectation as we walk forward together, knowing You are already at work in ways we can’t yet see.

Amen.