09-Dec-2024 – A new shift in season
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. – Isaiah 43:19
This month’s theme is “God Opens the Gates of Abundance.” Today, we will meditate on how God opens these gates, focusing on Isaiah 43. Verse 19, quoted above, is a well-known scripture. Many of us use it to remember God’s promise or invoke it as a blessing. Although this verse serves as the foundation, we will study the entire chapter to understand how God opens the gates of abundance.
But now thus saith the Lord – Isaiah 43:1
This verse begins with a “but.” Whenever you see this in Scripture, it signals a contrast, a shift in focus, or a change in season. To understand this shift, let us examine the last verse of chapter 42:
“Who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers? Did not the Lord… Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his anger…” – Isaiah 42:24-25.
Chapter 42 explains how the people of Israel disobeyed God’s word, kindling His anger, and ultimately faced punishment in the form of defeats, slavery, and suffering.
In our lives today, we can relate to this. As God’s chosen people, saved through the blood of Jesus Christ, we have the privilege of being called His sons and daughters. Yet, instead of living according to this calling, we often fail in various ways. Sometimes, these failures are due to ignorance; other times, they are deliberate as we chase worldly pleasures and treasures. Whatever the cause, we all fall short of the glory of God and miss the fullness of life He intended for us.
A Shift in Seasons
Chapter 43 marks a shift. God reminds the Israelites that He is their Creator, and they need not fear. At this point, the Israelites were experiencing the consequences of their disobedience and rebellion. But, like a loving Father, God reassures them that He remains their Creator, Provider, and Restorer. Think of someone who knows their suffering is a result of their own wrongdoing. Such a person is often filled with shame and guilt, unable to approach God or ask for forgiveness. Yet, God, in His infinite love, reaches out to us, even after we misuse His grace. How loving is our God! Not only does He approach us, but He also assures us of His unchanging love:
“But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour…” – Isaiah 43:1-3.
These verses provide great encouragement, especially when we understand the context. God is not addressing people who have lived perfectly. He is speaking to those who have failed miserably, suffered the consequences of their rebellion, and are now weighed down by guilt and shame. God is saying: Even if you are overwhelmed by pressing burdens, crushed by guilt, or mourning the loss of your joy, health, relationships, or dreams, He will open a new door of abundance.
Abundance is the state of possessing more than enough. If you have lost peace and joy, God will restore them abundantly. If you have lost the trust of your family or loved ones, God will create situations that rebuild trust and grant you greater responsibilities. Why does God do this?
“I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel.” – Isaiah 43:15.
“This people I have formed for myself.” – Isaiah 43:21.
God is our Father. He created us and planned for our joy and well-being. His love remains constant, even when we stray. While we may fail to take full advantage of His grace, His love never fails.
This unchanging love gives us renewed hope, even in our lowest moments. It allows us to rebuild our lives and see His glory manifest once again. God will open the gates of abundance in your life.
Prayer
Dear loving heavenly Father, thank You for Your unwavering love and grace. Thank You for reminding me of Your wonderful plans for my life. Even though I have gone astray, filled my life with sin, and failed in many ways, Your love remains constant. Thank You for renewing my hope and giving me the strength to begin again. I pray this in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!
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