Morning Devotional 071625 Patiently Waiting

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

July 16, 2025

Isaiah 43:19-23

19 Look! I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it? I’m making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness. 20 The beasts of the field, the jackals and ostriches, will honor me, because I have put water in the desert and streams in the wilderness to give water to my people, my chosen ones, 21 this people whom I formed for myself, who will recount my praise. 22 But you didn’t call out to me, Jacob; you were tired of me, Israel. 23 You didn’t bring me lambs for your entirely burned offering; you didn’t honor me with your sacrifices. I didn’t make you worship with offerings; I didn’t weary you with frankincense.

Good Morning! In the proper time, all things are revealed

I love going to places that I haven’t been in a very long time. I begin by searching for landmarks that I remember. It’s interesting that the man-made landmarks are often gone after a long absence, but God’s landmarks, even those that we had covered, are still standing. I feel a connection to the things of nature that hold a place in my memory. 

The beginning verses of this chapter set the stage for God’s revelation of restoring the covenant. 1 “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

The Israelites have been called out of captivity, and are being asked if they recognize the land from which they were forced to leave. Through the prophet, Isaiah, God reminds them that all this is being done for them despite their turning away from God. God didn’t poke or prod them, nor hold them accountable to following the ways of their ancestors to worship. 

This is a new time, and God is doing a new thing. This passage reminds us of God's great love for His people. We, the unfaithful, are given the opportunity to come home and rejoin our creator. 

Giving Lord, you bless us abundantly! God, you are always ready to welcome us home. Help us to declare that our time has come. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: God’s creative power is at work — even when we can’t immediately see it.

God is Patiently Waiting! Pastor Liz