Week of September 20th, 2026
Encouragement from God's Word
Isaiah 43:16–21
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 desert and streams in the wasteland.
The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls,
because I provide water in the desert 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.
God has done some absolutely amazing things. In the first part of the verses above, he referenced that he “made a way through the sea.” He was referring to the miracle of the parting the Red Sea. The Children of Israel walked through the Sea on dry ground. Pharoah and his army followed and were destroyed. This miracle assured the Israelites of their freedom. Their enemies were destroyed.
The miracle was impressive. It was memorable and important.
God’s commentary on that miracle was: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” God told his people he would do something even better.
God was looking ahead to the work of Jesus. In Jesus, we find life and forgiveness in a world of death and sin. The grace given to us in Christ dwarfs the parting of the Red Sea! Now we live in freedom – not from a worldly king like Pharoah – but free from the guilt of our sins and the curse of death. We are God’s holy people, today and forever.
Our place as God’s people is God’s greatest miracle. It is life-changing. It is real! Live in the peace and the reality of God’s gracious work to save you. Let his peace guide your mind and your attitudes so that you proclaim his praise.
