I love walking through the woods, so when the tornados tore up some of my favorite wooded area in the Arboretum, I was really sad. Thankfully, I had the opportunity to spend some time there this past week and found sections of the woods were reopened! Starting out on my normal trek among the trees, I found some of the trails were still closed to hikers. In following one of my older trails, however, I found a new trail had opened up, and I followed the path across a stream.

I quickly discovered the reason the new trail was called the “Tree Hugger Trail,” as I wound my way among the trees, climbing to a higher level. Continuing my upward climb, I noticed I was no longer among the tree trucks but more on level with the treetops, having climbed to an overlook. The beauty all around me was incredible. These new trails led to a beautiful area, which I would have missed if I had hiked the trails I normally hiked.

Do you ever find yourself wanting to keep things the same, never taking a step into something new? You know what to expect with no surprises. It is comfortable! Israel experienced the upheaval of their “normal” life as God chose to move forward in keeping His promises to them. He prepared to lead them out of captivity. The new way would be treacherous, causing them to feel apprehensive, so God comforted their fears.

“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.” Isaiah 43:18-19

Wearied by her iniquities, God judged Isreal for her sin, and they were held captive by the Babylonians for a lengthy period of time. Deliverance would come as God showed His mercy, forgiveness, and His faithfulness to the covenant He had made with Israel. Though Israel time and again was unfaithful, God was faithful and kept His promise to never leave them or forsake them. He would bring them home.
Israel knew the journey home would take them through treacherous lands. The road would be difficult, but God reminded them of His past faithfulness as He led their forefathers through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. This exodus would prove so much greater, causing them to forget the past for the beauty of their future. God would go before them and lead them to their homeland.

Why though? Why would God choose to lead a people to their homeland after their constant sin and rebellion? It all came down to one thing for them, and it holds true for us as well – His love.

“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. 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.” (Isaiah 43:1-4)

The children of Isreal were precious to God. They were His children, and He loved them. You, too, are precious in His eyes, and God loves you so much. When God leads you into a new thing, He already sees the beauty ahead for you.

Maybe God is leading you into something new. Though the way may seem treacherous and uncertain, He has promised to never leave you or forsake you. He walks before you and clears your path. His love for you is so great, and He longs for you to experience His best. As you step into the new, be reminded this is the same God who led Isreal back to their homeland. Leave the old behind and see the beauty that lies ahead as you follow Him.