God's Promise In The desert

“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.” Isaiah 43:19

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What does it mean when a new thing is approaching, and there are moments in life where we feel we are walking along a desert? It is a never-ending, dry, thirsty moment that feels like there is no way out. There is so much trouble that we carry, and all we want is to find purpose in life again.

Jesus met a Samaritan woman by a well in John 4. He had said to her, "Will you give me a drink?” (John 4:7b). This request shocked the woman since there has been a long history of Jews not getting along with Samaritans. Nonetheless, the dialogue keeps happening, and Jesus makes an interesting point: “but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14). Notice how Jesus never says that only the Jews in their weary desert can taste the living water. He says "whoever", meaning it is an invitation for all.

You see, Jesus knew about the Samaritan woman’s story without her even saying anything, and He has given her hope of gaining an everlasting future through the water Jesus offered: “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the father in the Spirit and in truth,” (John 4:23a).

Knowing all she had been through, Jesus still offered her the gift of living water. He never condemned her past, but Jesus allowed for her to step into a bright future. This is the promise of renewal: no matter how the past and present look like, no one is excluded from getting to taste the renewal that God offers. His grace is for all—those who feel broken and those who have yet to find the living water God offers.

We may feel like we are unworthy to receive His glory, but this is not true! Jesus came down on this earth to save the broken and bring them into tasting the living water to have everlasting life.

Like the woman at the well, she was living a life where she had baggage to hide from others. Isaiah wrote about God making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:19b). In regards to the story of the Samaritan woman, this promise is brought to life as Jesus offers her living water.

No matter where we are in our walk with God, He is inviting us to taste and see the fresh new start He will prepare and give. We were never alone from the beginning of our struggle; His timing is impeccable. As we face these moments, let’s pray for a sense of fresh renewal and purpose, trusting that God is making a way in our barren seasons in life.

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Father, allow us to open up our hearts to see the new things you are bringing into our lives. We come with so much brokenness that it is difficult to find our purpose. As we come together in unity, help us to connect with one another and hold onto the promises you give us. Thank you in advance, Father, for making a way in our wilderness and being the streams in our wasteland. We love You, in Jesus's name, Amen.