Step Into God’s New Thing

Daily R.E.A.P. Report for Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)
Step Into God’s New Thing

Read

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 (ESV):

Isaiah is a prophetic book addressing Judah before, during, and beyond exile. Chapters 40–55 especially comfort God’s people in or anticipating Babylonian exile, promising rescue and a “new exodus” back to their land. Isaiah 43 emphasizes God as Israel’s Creator and Redeemer—One who calls them by name, walks with them through waters and fire, and gathers them from the ends of the earth. Verse 19 announces God’s fresh, surprising deliverance: He will carve a pathway through desolate places and supply water where none exists. This matters for daily life because it reveals a God who doesn’t just fix the past—He forges a future, opening paths where you see none and supplying strength where you feel empty.

Examine

God Himself initiates new beginnings. He invites you to perceive His work even before it fully unfolds. Where circumstances seem barren, God creates a path and provides life-giving resources. This verse is not merely motivational; it’s a revelation of God’s character—He is the Maker of newness, the One who turns wastelands into places of provision.

Connection to Jesus: Jesus is the ultimate “new thing.” He declared Himself “the way” (John 14:6) and offered “living water” (John 4:10; 7:37–38), fulfilling Isaiah’s promise of a path in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Through His death and resurrection, He inaugurated the New Covenant and makes us new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). Following Jesus means trusting Him to guide us through our wilderness and refresh our souls with His Spirit.

Main Themes:
- Renewal and New Creation: God brings genuine, Spirit-empowered newness—not recycled oldness.
- Guidance in Hard Places: God makes a clear way where you see none.
- Provision in Dry Seasons: God supplies sustaining grace in your desert—strength, wisdom, relationships, and opportunities.

Key Word Study:
- “New thing” (Hebrew: chadash): Fresh, unprecedented, not merely a repair of the old. God’s work here is transformative and surprising.
- “Way in the wilderness” (Hebrew: derek in the midbar): “Derek” is a road or path—intentional direction. “Midbar” is the desolate place of testing and dependence. God’s promise is direction and purpose precisely where life feels confusing or bar

Apply

Reflective Questions:
- Where do I feel “stuck” in an old pattern, fear, or identity—and how might God be doing something new there?
- What “wilderness” am I walking through (work, relationships, health), and where do I sense God inviting me to notice His path?
- What one practical step can I take today to align my schedule, mindset, or habits with God’s new leading?

Real-Life Application:
- Pause to Perceive: Set a 10-minute appointment with God today. Ask, “Lord, where is the new thing springing up? Help me recognize Your path.” Write down the first two impressions.
- Clear a Path: Remove one obstacle competing with God’s new work—an unhelpful commitment, a draining habit, or a distracting input. Replace it with a short daily rhythm (Scripture reading, silent prayer, or a worship walk).
- Take a Faith Step: Identify one small action that embodies the “way in the wilderness”—send the email, apply for the class, schedule the counseling session, or apologize to repair a relationship.

Pray

Father, I praise You as the Creator who makes all things new and carves paths where none exist. I confess I often cling to the familiar, fear change, and overlook Your hand at work. Forgive me for doubting Your goodness in my wilderness. Today, open my eyes to perceive the new thing You’re bringing forth. By Your Spirit, guide my steps, supply what I lack, and give me courage to act in faith. Make my life a living testimony of Your refreshing rivers in dry places. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Closing Reflection: Picture a sunlit path slowly appearing in a barren landscape. As you take one step, a gentle stream begins to flow at your side—God’s presence, provision, and guidance accompanying you. The desert is not the end; it’s the canvas for God’s new work.

Call to Action: Name your “new thing” in one sentence and share it with a trusted friend today. Take one concrete step before the day ends, remembering: God is already on the path, and His rivers are already flowing for you.