Devotional Passage
“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, in the ships in which they took pride. I am the LORD, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King.” This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, 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: “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. 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, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise” – Isaiah 43:14-21
Devotional
Isn’t it almost magical knowing that we are children to a KING? What’s even more amazing is that even in our mess is faithful enough to rescue us from it. How I long to live a life that is perfect and pleasing to our God. How I desire to live this perfect little life without falling short, once. I am learning that it’s not always easy, it’s not always achievable; especially when I’m trying on my own.
I think back to the time I lived my life according to what made me feel best. Constantly running, chasing men, sex and adventure. I never saw myself as someone who wanted to settle down or have kids, let alone follow a God who required I do nothing fun at all. I wanted to live for the now, or social media. So often we only see a glimpse of other people’s lives through the very small lens things like Instagram, Facebook or whatever social site getting our attention – I guess we are looking for a thrill. When I would reminisce on the things of old, an overwhelming sense of guilt and shame would always overcome me. Reminding me that the person I was before still exist in some capacity. And when I think on that she still exists; I feel like I’ll never be the woman God has called me to be. Oh, how wrong was I. You see, the God we serve not only tells us to “forget the former thing,” He also reminds us that even in our mess He is there making a way for you and me to walk away untouched.
My story may not be yours, but you do have one. Maybe today you’re reminiscing on something in your past that keeps you far from God, or maybe you’re afraid that God can’t possibly accept or love you because for too long you’ve tried to run far away from Him. Whatever your story is, you should know that the thing keeping you captive, God, your Redeemer, is sending an army to rescue you. So, if you’re lost in the wilderness just know that there is a promise that God will provide a way out for you. And if you’re in a place where all the rivers have dried up, there is another promise that God will provide streams in those dry places. Your job isn’t to know how but Who. Once we are aware of the Who, in whatever place we reside; we start to lose confidence in ourselves and instead we place it at the feet of the only one who can save us. My prayer today is that we would let go of what holds us captive and release it to our Father in heaven.
Prayer
God, we thank you that you call us Yours, and that no matter where we are You still hold out Your hand to extend mercy to us. God you’re here and not letting go. God, I ask that for anyone who needs Your love and compassion today, that Your presence would overwhelm them. I pray that You would forgive us for trying to stand in Your way and instead help us to follow you. Help us to know that You’re with us in the wilderness providing for all our needs. It is in Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen.
Contributed by – Shani Ford
In the midst of my pain I found a God who fiercely sought after me. In 2017 I was in a broken place lost, living without purpose, and wanting to be found. Through the love of God I was able to find a peace that would change a rebel into a righteous women. I am from California, but currently living in Chicago, Illinois. Now walking a path to help change people perspectives on what it means to walk in Gods grace. I believe since I was able to find happiness, and true joy that everyone I encounter should and can find it too. Through The Sanctuary I have been able to grow in my walk while pursing the life that God has called me to.