A Pathway Through The Wilderness
By Amber Ginter
TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE
"But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland" - Isaiah 43:18-19, NLT
SOMETHING TO PONDER
One of the most difficult things I've ever experienced is my battle with mental health. As a teen, I watched it destroy my family. Overdoses, alcoholism, and strained relationships were the norm. When I developed an eating disorder and an addiction to exercise, I hid from everyone—myself and God included.
For seven years, I felt exiled in a foreign land. I'd become someone I didn't recognize—someone who compromised values and lived as a shell of her true identity. It wasn't until God rescued me from those destructive patterns that I learned the value of Isaiah 43.
When Isaiah wrote these words to Israel, they were deep in their wilderness. Captivity and exile weren't new to them— they were well acquainted with suffering. And yet, God told them, "Fear not" (vs.1), "for I have redeemed you and called you by your name. You are Mine."
Despite their sin, God spoke to His people like a loving Father to His child. He wasn't just their Creator; He was their powerful Redeemer, now and forevermore.
Isaiah continues that Israel would walk through rivers, fires, and troubles, but God would be with them. The journey would be hard, and there would be times of doubt and discouragement. Still, God promised to bring His people back to Him (vs.2-7).
It all sounds hopeful until we're the ones called to walk through the wilderness to reach the Promised Land.
Was Israel obedient? Sometimes. Were they disobedient? Absolutely. But they had witnessed God's greatness. They knew His power. They trusted that He could redeem a hard-hearted people and make a way "in the sea" (vs.17). That's why He told them to "not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old" (vs.18)—because what He was about to do was even greater.
In our lives, there's a time to reflect on the past—the hardships and the victories God has carried us through. I do this often when I think about the eating disorder that once held me captive. But there's also a time to release the past and move forward in faith. To believe that God can take our seasons of exile and use them to showcase His glory through our testimonies.
Today, I still struggle with my mental health. Anxiety and depression are constant companions, whether I'm in the wilderness or not. My past threatens to weigh me down, but I cling to the promises in Isaiah 43.
The wilderness is scary, but I never walk through it alone. And when I come out on the other side, I'll carry a story. One that speaks of redemption and overcoming—by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of my testimony (Revelation 12:11).
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Dear Jesus,
We've all been in places of exile in the wilderness—lost, confused, and afraid. But thank you for never leaving us alone. Even there, your right hand holds us, and you promise to carry us through.
When my heart is heavy, remind me that you will make a way. Navigating desert roads isn't easy, but you're my Savior and Redeemer, rewriting my story and leading me into a new Promised Land.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. What old things do you need to release to embrace the new? Try laying one hand down in prayer to "let go," and opening the other to "receive."
2. God walks with you through the wilderness. Journal about a time God showed up in a challenging season and praise Him for His faithfulness.
3. What parts of your testimony can you share with someone today? Your story may be the encouragement they need.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Benjamin Voros
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Originally published Tuesday, 17 June 2025.
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