WAYS IN THE WILDERNESS

“I WILL even MAKE A ROAD in the WILDERNESS and rivers in the desert” – Isaiah 43:19

God’s Speciality is to make WAYS IN THE WILDERNESS: “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I WILL do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I WILL even MAKE A ROAD in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isa.43:18-19). God is willing and able to make a Way when none naturally exists. The toughest of situations are His forte. He “makes a way in the sea and a path THROUGH the mighty waters” (Isa.43:16b). There are two aspects to the word “through.”

The negative aspect is that God will have us go 'through' – not around or over – the difficulty! For Him to make a way over the sea would mean that we are lifted above it without any trouble or the taste of triumph. Going 'through' is what the scripture and experience teach. Life’s challenges are inevitable, but our Victory is guaranteed: “WHEN you pass THROUGH the waters, I will be with you; and THROUGH the rivers, they shall not overflow you. WHEN you walk THROUGH the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you” (Isa.43:2).

The positive aspect is that we’ll break through. The problem will “come to pass” – not to stay. Life’s trials are not forever and there is no need to setup camp in the middle of the waters as if that’s our perpetual lot in life. Israel had to walk through the waters, but they kept walking – progressing. Ironically, the same waters they passed through, buried their stubborn adversaries (Exo.14:28). When mighty waters rise in our lives, we too will break through: “You have caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; but You brought us out to rich fulfilment” (Psa.66:12).

Straight after saying the He will make a way (v.16), God instructed His people to forget the former things and not dwell on the past (vv.18-19). Why would He say this, especially after just reminding them of a past event at the Red Sea? God wants us to remember the past only to the extent that we bring to mind previous victories and learn from former mistakes, but not to dwell in the past. There is a tendency to think of the Lord as the God Who WAS and Who WILL BE, but not Who IS. We often remember and rejoice over great things that God once did in history and envision what He has promised to do, but seldom reckon with Him as the great 'I AM' – the God of the present tense! God will do new and amazing things in our day!

God has it all figured out. We don’t have to worry. He’s working on our behalf even when we can’t see it all. He has a plan and purpose in what we’re walking through. He can cut a clear pathway through the wilderness. In seemingly hopeless situations where we can’t see any way out, God’s power has the opportunity to shine the brightest. The most powerful times of all are when we come to our wits end, where we can’t depend on our own abilities, on anything we have, or anyone we know, but instead are reminded that we are totally and completely reliant on Him.

The lyrics of Don Moen’s song are apt:

God will make a way, where there seems to be no way

He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me

He will be my guide, Hold me closely to His side

With love and strength, for each new day

He will make a way He will make a way

By a roadway in the wilderness, He'll lead me

And rivers in the desert will I see

Heaven and earth will fade

But His Word will still remain

He will do something new today

Mighty waters may rise against us like there is no way out. God will make a way for the glorious fulfilment of our destinies. He’ll honour His Word, so that we His people may declare His Praise (v.21).