Sermon Series: Into God’s Best for Your Life

Part 4: A New Way in the Wilderness Scripture Focus: Isaiah 43:18-19

I. Introduction: Finding God in the Storm

Due to dangerous road conditions and icy weather, this final installment of the series is held online. While meeting remotely is not ideal, it serves as a unique opportunity to pause and spend intentional time with God or gather with family around His Word.

• The Goal: To wrap up the series by learning how to live out God’s best through a specific process for making decisions.
• The Prayer: Seeking safety for those affected by winter storms, power outages, and medical concerns, while acknowledging that God remains in control and on His throne.

II. The Core Question: "Which Way Do I Go?"

Many believers find themselves at a fork in the road, struggling with major life decisions such as:

• Career and Job Changes: Deciding on a professional path or transitioning between roles.
• Family Decisions: Choosing schools for children or navigating family dynamics.
• Educational Paths: Especially for students trying to discern their future.

The central struggle for most is asking, "God, what would you have me do?" while trying to ensure they are walking in His best.

III. The Scripture: Isaiah 43:18-19

God speaks through the prophet Isaiah to provide a promise of hope:

"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."

IV. Context: The "New Testament" of the Old Testament

Understanding the historical background is essential to applying this text:

• Historical Timing: Isaiah wrote these words approximately 150 years before Israel was taken into captivity.
• A Message for Dark Days: The prophecy was intended to guide Israel through future hardships and offer peace even in difficult times.
• The Ultimate "New Thing": This passage points toward the salvation found in Jesus. In a "desert" of sin and drought, God introduces a new path and a river of hope where there previously was none.

V. Avoiding "Passage Pitfalls"

The command to "remember not the former things" is often misinterpreted.

• What it does NOT mean: It is not an instruction to forget God’s previous commandments, the instructions given to Moses at Mount Sinai, or the history of God's faithfulness (such as the days of Noah).
• What it DOES mean: It is a call to look toward the new work God is doing rather than being stuck in the cyclical sin of the past or the "old system".

VI. Application: A Process for Decision-Making

The objective of this session is to develop a process that ensures you end up in God’s best. Key insights include:

• Recognize that God’s way may be difficult: Walking in God’s best might not always look the way you planned or go as smoothly as you hoped.
• Perceive the "New Thing": God often makes a way in the "wilderness"—places where there seems to be no hope or direction.
• Trust the Process: By following scriptural principles, you can have the rest and assurance that you are making the best decision for your life.