Apr 21 – Paths in the Wilderness!

“Behold, I will do a new thing… I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19)

Questions may arise in your heart: Will a path ever open for me? Will a way ever appear? Will something good happen in my life? Will the Lord lift me up and bless my family?

But what is the Lord’s promise? “I will make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

People may close many paths. Doors may be shut against you. Like the fortified gates of Jericho, bronze gates and iron bars may stand as challenges before you. At such times, look to the Lord. He will open the path, at the very place where you thought no way could ever open up.

When the people of Israel came out of Egypt, they reached the shore of the Red Sea and stood helpless, unable to go any further. In front of them was the sea. Behind them came the pursuing army of Egypt. On both sides were great mountains. They did not know whether they would perish by the sword of the Egyptians or drown in the Red Sea.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your rod over the Red Sea.” When he stretched it out, the sea divided into two, and a pathway appeared.

Later, when the Israelites reached the banks of the Jordan River, they feared the overflowing waters. During the harvest season, the Jordan floods its banks. How could they cross such a river? Yet when the priests carrying the ark of the covenant stepped into the Jordan, the waters parted and a path was made.

When the Lord decides to open a way for you, no one can stop Him. He is the One who breaks down bronze gates and cuts through iron bars. He removes obstacles and goes before us (Micah 2:13). He opens doors that no one can shut.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were thrown into the fiery furnace. Could the Lord make a way even there? Yes! In the midst of the blazing fire, the Lord Himself came down and walked with them, making a way for them. They walked joyfully in the furnace. The Lord quenched the power of the fire and spoke to the king’s heart, raising them to a position of honour.

Children of God, our precious Lord is the One who makes paths in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. He will make your life flourish as well. Behold, a new path is appearing before you. The Lord is opening a new door—and no one can shut it.

Verse for further meditation: “For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert. The parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land, springs of water.” (Isaiah 35:6–7)