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Intention

To keep our focus upward and forward by continually praising the Lord.

Scripture

“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. The beasts of the field will honour Me, the jackals and the ostriches, because I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My people, My chosen.

“This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise.”

– Isaiah 43:18–21

Reflection

Someone encouraged me with these verses above during a healing ministry gathering in 2002. They still resonate and continue to speak deeply to my heart – perhaps even more today than they did back then.

I believe the promises in Isaiah 43:18–21 are just as important – if not more so – today. These promises are for us as individuals. But they also apply to a prayerful community and a nation.

As challenges continue to rise across our country, many people are overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty, questioning where God is in the midst of it all.

But these verses bring wonderful comfort and encouragement. God calls us to forget “the former things”. We must not dwell on the past. Instead, we should look forward to what the Lord has promised us (“a new thing”).

He is faithful to His promises. At the right time, He will shine His light once again on our land. He will draw us out of darkness and into His glorious light. He is, after all, the God who makes a way where there seems to be none. He’s the God of the impossible and the God of miracles.

Some individuals may not listen or respond to His invitation to join Him and His forever family. We should continue to support them while respecting their free will (as He does).

In every season, we are called to give Him praise, glory, and honour – for who He is, for what He has done, for what He is doing now, and for all He will do. Our journey is one of faith and trust.

Through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we have been adopted as sons and daughters of God by faith. We know Whose we are. We also know who we are. We know our future destiny is certain. So, let us choose to live without fear and live holy and righteous lives.

Who else can we rely on? Truly, there is no one else but Him.

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Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You in humility and gratitude, repenting for the times we have lacked faith and trust.

Thank You for the words of hope and encouragement found in Isaiah 43:18–21. The past is behind us, and we trust that You are leading us – individually and as a nation – from darkness into Your marvellous light.

Help us to live with unwavering trust in You and to be a light to those who are still searching and living in uncertainty. May Your life-giving waters flow through our government, washing away what is not of You and overturning laws that are abhorrent to You.

Have Your way with us, Lord, have Your way.

We give You all the praise, glory and honour.

In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Author Bio

Since retiring from various leadership positions last year, Carol has focused on her personal relationship with Jesus and on various local and national prayer groups. She believes the nation can only be changed if we first build a foundation of prayer.

Prayer Points for GO Month to Pentecost 2025

1. Five friends to trust in Christ and to share the gospel with those five in May. Matthew 28:19–20

2. Repentance, revival and reformation in Australia and for millions to believe in Jesus Christ. Luke 24:47

3. A Church that grows in extravagant love for God and people. 2 Corinthians 5:14–15

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