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Thornwell February Devotional – Rivers in the Desert

18 “Do not remember the past events; pay no attention to things of old. 19 Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. 20 Wild animals— jackals and ostriches—will honor me, because I provide water in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people. 21 The people I formed for myself will declare my praise. – Isaiah 43:18-21

When Isaiah preached these verses, all hope seemed lost. Israel had been defeated, humiliated, and dragged to Babylon. But amidst this hopelessness, God offered them a ray of hope.

Through Isaiah, God paints a vivid picture of a desert landscape, where wild jackals, known for their opportunistic ways, and ostriches, seen as heartless for leaving their nests unattended, were thriving. To the Israelites, these animals were symbols of the moral decay they saw in Babylon, the antithesis of a land flowing with milk and honey occupied by the righteous. Through this prophecy, God reminds His people that He will provide for them even in the most barren of landscapes, and that His providence will have a transformative effect.

As the rivers flow into the parched land, giving drink to God’s thirsty people, the wild animals (that symbolized the Hebrew’s Babylonian captors) also drink from the salvific streams. The entire wasteland is redeemed, and God hints that a new people (uniting Hebrews & Gentiles) are formed to bring him praise.

Thankfully, you and I probably won’t find ourselves in a literal desert surrounded by wild animals anytime soon – but if you have a family or work with children, it is likely you can relate to the Hebrews some days! I think this is especially true for those of us who work with families in various stages of the foster and adoption process. The environment can seem so inhospitable to growth that there is a temptation to settle or merely survive. At least the jackals aren’t going hungry, right?

God understands our weariness. … but the beautiful thing is, he doesn’t let us off the hook. He wants our families to thrive as a reflection of His goodness and He will provide the miracles needed to make it happen!

Be encouraged. Re-embrace the hope God has given us. Hear God speak to your soul in this moment:

18 “Do not remember the past events; pay no attention to things of old. 19 Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.

Contributing writer, Adam Hafenbridle

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