God's Faithfulness Through the Waters

A New Thing for a New Season

Read ahead

Isaiah 43:1–2 “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”

Isaiah 43:16–18 “Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings forth chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.”

1. God’s Past Faithfulness

Isaiah 43:1–2 “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”

Historical Background

Written during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), a time when Israel felt abandoned and displaced. The prophet Isaiah, speaking God’s word, reminded the people that the same God who delivered them from Egypt would redeem them again from Babylon.

We leave out two very important tenants - God formed (Yatsar) us: implies intentional craftsmanship—God personally shaped Israel, just as He shapes His church. Created with a purpose.

God Redeemed (ga’al) - means to buy back or rescue a family member from slavery. It conveys a deep sense of covenantal love and obligation.

I. Application for the Church

For 27 years, God has “redeemed” this congregation—bringing it through trials, sustaining it through transitions, and shaping it for His purpose. The past is a testimony of divine craftsmanship, not coincidence.

2 God’s Present Presence

Isaiah 43:2–5 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life. Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you.”

Historical Context: The imagery of water recalls Israel’s crossing of the Red Sea and Jordan River—moments of transition from bondage to freedom, from wilderness to promise. In exile, these memories reminded Israel that God’s presence was not confined to a place but accompanied His people everywhere.

Hebrew Insights -“Waters” (מַיִם – *mayim*) often symbolize chaos or danger. -“With you” (אִתְּךָ – *itt’kha*) emphasizes personal companionship; God’s presence is intimate, not distant.

II. Application for the Church

Over 27 years, the church has faced “waters” of challenge—financial strain, leadership changes, cultural shifts—but God’s presence has remained constant. His promise is not that there will be no waters, but that they will not overwhelm His people.

3. God’s Future Promise

“Behold, I Am Doing a New Thing” (Isaiah 43:18–21 ““Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.”

Hebrew Insights -“New” (חָדָשׁ – *chadash*) means fresh, renewed, unprecedented. It implies not replacement but transformation.

III. Application for the Church

After 27 years, God is not finished. He is “doing a new thing—”...calling the church to fresh vision, renewed mission, and deeper discipleship. The same God who brought the church through the past is birthing something new for the next generation.

Isaiah 43 invites the church to celebrate three truths:

-God has redeemed us — our past is covered by His grace. -God is with us — our present is sustained by His presence. -God is doing a new thing — our future is secured by His promise.

As the congregation marks its 27th anniversary, it stands on holy ground—between memory and mission, between gratitude and growth. The God who said, “You are Mine,” continues to lead His people through every season.

17  Our faith is not meant to get us out of a hard place or change our painful condition. Rather, it is meant to reveal God’s faithfulness to us in the midst of our dire situation.

David Wilkerson

Closing Prayer:

 “Lord, we thank You for 27 years of grace. You have redeemed, sustained, and renewed us. As You did for Israel, do for us—make rivers in our deserts and cause new life to spring forth in this ministry. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”