“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
Kevin Holland, a brother from the L.A. Church of Christ spoke to our congregation during a Sunday service three weeks ago. His lesson was on how to grow from our challenges.
One challenge which plagued me most of my childhood was growing up with a disability. As a result, I was never pushed to do much; therefore, I never believed in myself.
Fast forward to my early days in college, I didn’t take my classes seriously and eventually dropped out. Many years later, I went back to college. However, I had a hard time getting back in. I sought help from an advisor. She helped me write a letter to the college administration. After a few anxious weeks, my request was approved. I relished getting the chance to start building my future. Looking back, I see how God was doing a new thing in my life. Isaiah 43:19. God was preparing me to start investing in my future. Most of all, he was pushing me to start believing in myself.
I felt the encouraging reassurance everything will be ok. I also felt calm, knowing God will work through the present trials, and show me present challenges will someday be part of the past. I can also look at how the challenges helped me grow.
As we move further into 2021, we can remember that God continues to make a way in the wilderness for us.