Isaiah 43:18-19 “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 desert and streams in the wasteland.”
God can do anything – He can even provide streams in the wasteland. Without a doubt, my wasteland is the wounded people I love – those incapable of the relationship I want, desire, crave. I want so much more, but I’ve had to come to grip with reality and understand the relationship is what it is. Ever been there? It’s the desert. It’s a wasteland. It’s grief and sadness and loss. It isn’t what it’s supposed to be and there’s nothing I can do about it. So I have a choice – to stay stuck in the sadness of what might have been or what I wish it could be or accept things as they are. Accept I have no power or ability to change things.
At times the loss is painful and I want to fix it; it could be so much different – more – but it’s not. My wounded loved ones can’t – their mountain of pain and hurt is too intimidating, too high to climb. So instead of doing the hard work of healing and change, they choose to stay stuck. They choose to keep the patterns of dysfunction; use denial and other coping mechanisms to keep themselves safe…and everyone else at a distance.
“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 desert and streams in the wasteland.”
There was a time this scripture would have given me false hope. This scripture would be for them. This scripture would be about those I love and are at odds with – they are the ones who need change.
Thankfully, I have enough experience, mistakes, counseling, insanity (doing the same thing over and over expecting a different outcome) to know this scripture isn’t for them, it’s for me. It is real hope. It tells meGod can and will do a new thing in me. He can and will heal and restore me. Click To TweetIf I let go of the past, forgive and move forward, He can do a new thing. He can make a way in the desert and create streams in a wasteland. When I surrender the relationship I want for what He has, I get a new thing. “Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing.” I don’t have to stay stuck in the past of hurt, rejection and unmet needs. I don’t have to grieve the loss of a relationship forever. If I let Him, God will turn my ashes to beauty and provide a stream in the wasteland.
Mary Anne Saag
April 28, 2017Thanks for this, I really needed this this week. In a time when everything in my life is not what it once was after the recent loss of my Mother, I am learning to give up on my certain expectations from other family and friends. It is hard to not get what you want and expect out of certain relationships based on family and friendships, but learning to let go and let God handle it and trust in his love, is the key to living a happy and healthier life.
Liz
April 28, 2017Thanks for sharing Mary Anne. I’m so sorry you are missing your mom. I often want people to love me the way only God can. It’s disappointing when they don’t – or even make minimal effort. Yet I know I’ve also let people down. I’ve also failed to be there in their time of need. I think we all do the best we can – sometimes my best isn’t very good. I’m happy the post spoke to you. Thank you again for sharing – it means everything to me.
Wandalyn
April 28, 2017Very good!
Liz
April 28, 2017Thank you Wandalyn! ???I appreciate you taking the time to read it!
Terri Giordano
April 29, 2017You are truly an amazing person!
I’m so glad you’re in my life!
Liz
April 29, 2017Wow! Thank you – I’m so glad you and your family are in my life! Thank you for reading and commenting – it means a lot. ❤️
April
May 1, 2017Love, love. love!
I am so lucky that I have you in my life all these years to help me guide through some of my tough relationships. Now others get your wisdom too and what a blessing you are and will continue to be.
Liz
May 1, 2017Thank you so much! You are one of the reasons this blog became a reality. Thank you for your encouragement and support. Love you ❤️
Vicki Wasson
June 9, 2017Liz this is AMAZING work you are doing!! Touched my heart and mind on many levels!! God Bless and thank you!
Liz
June 9, 2017Thank you, Vicki! It means so much that you are reading and commenting. This whole thing is God’s idea and hopefully His message. xoxo
Katt Clark
November 21, 2017Wow! Thank you! I was really needing this! God bless!
Liz
November 21, 2017Hi Katt! Thank you for reading and commenting – I’m so happy God used it. Blessings friend!