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. (ISAIAH 43:18-19)
The wilderness is where God brings forth a fresh move of His Spirit. Of course, this fresh move of the Spirit is not new to God, but it is new to us. We have yet to arrive at a place where we know God as He knows us. This relationship is described in 2 Corinthians 3:18: And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
In order to know God better, we must change. Changes that brings us closer to God are not always easy, but they are always good. Often we resist change because it affects our comfort level. We are creatures of habit. Once patterns are established, it becomes uncomfortable for us to move outside our familiar lifestyles.
Religious traditions especially are formed early and run deep. Not all traditions are wrong, but when a person responds to God out of tradition rather than from the heart, that person is going through lifeless motions. How can you guard against this? Evaluate yourself through this lens: A person who has a religious spirit is one who has only an outward form of godliness, holding fast to what God did while resisting what God is presently doing.
Is God moving in your heart right now? Don’t resist Him, even if the change is uncomfortable or costly! Don’t be afraid of the changes God has for you as He leads you through a wilderness. You are destined for great and mighty things, and God will use your present circumstance to shape you for His glory!
Meditate on this verse today: And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. (Philippians 1:6) (JOHN BEVERE)