Hope in the Wilderness

Can you imagine getting lost on a hike in the mountains or an excursion through the desert … while simultaneously running out of water?

After hours or even days of parched wandering, stumbling across a road or rushing river would bring a massive sigh of relief. In extreme cases, it could even mean the difference between life and death.

In Isaiah 43, God is reminding His people who He is—the one and only God—and also what He has done. But then He goes on to say …

“But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:18-19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Speaking through the prophet Isaiah, God wasn’t just flashing signposts toward the Messiah’s coming—the ultimate pathway through the wilderness and thirst-quencher in the desert (though He was certainly doing that). His words are also a promise to us, because He still continues to restore—right here and right now.

Even when you’re lost in your own wilderness, God knows exactly where you are.

Have you ever messed up? Made a bad decision? Hurt someone you love? He can do something new.

Are you weary or exhausted? Burdened or burned out? Overwhelmed or overworked? He can do something new.

Do you feel trapped, stuck, hopeless, or held captive by something you can’t seem to escape? He can do something new.

The same God who made a way for the Israelites escaping Egyptian slavery when they were cornered against the Red Sea with no backup plan—can also make a way for you.

Paying attention to God’s provision is vital for recognizing His presence.

God loved the world so much that He refused to leave us to ourselves. Instead, He sent His Son, Jesus, to make a way. He sent His Son, Jesus, to be the way. Jesus Christ is the pathway in the wilderness and a river in the desert.

Do you not see it?

Let us look for Him, watch for Him, and expect for Him to do something new.

Live on Purpose

Without intentionality, people tend to drift—becoming complacent instead of motivated, lacking vision instead of leveraging purpose.

But for those of us in Christ, we’re called to something more than drifting our way through life.

The author of the book of Hebrews said it this way…

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:24-25‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬

Earlier in the chapter, we’re told that the old system of sacrifices couldn’t cut it. But Jesus—the ultimate sacrifice—made a way once and for all.

Now, we have access to God’s presence, provision, and power forever.

And so the author encourages the reader to inspire their fellow believers. Let’s break down what they say:

– “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works…” It’s easy to slip into routines and patterns that, at the end of the day, don’t have eternal value. It’s easy to become numb, idle, and indifferent. But that’s not the way of Jesus! Let us use our God-given ingenuity to point each other back to Him. Let us be expectant for the opportunities—and even interruptions—that He places in our paths.

– “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do…” Gathering together as the body of Christ is a privilege—a privilege that not everyone around the world can do safely. We shouldn’t take community for granted. Life isn’t just about what we need, but also about being there for each other—to meet practical needs, to help each other grow spiritually, to pray and worship together, and to collectively invite God’s presence.

– “…but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Just as hundreds of prophecies were fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, the rest will come to fruition on the day of His return. Rest assured, He is coming back! So let’s encourage one another to stay focused. Let’s encourage one another to be ready.

With a little thought and intentionality, we can live on purpose.