God is making all things new for me and you
“New” is only three letters long, but it delivers a boatload of hopefulness. It conveys the thought of a fresh start, a second chance, and a clean slate.
Here we are, already one week into the new year.
I’ve been pondering that word “new.” It’s only three letters long, but it delivers a boatload of hopefulness. It conveys the thought of a fresh start, a second chance, and a clean slate. We all want those things, right?
- We want a fresh start in our intentions to lose weight and exercise more.
- We want a second chance with that person who ghosted us last year.
- We want a clean slate—no more shame or self-blame for something regrettable we did or said in the past.
Out with the old. In with the new. Bring it on, please!
God promised to do something new for His people
The prophet Isaiah delivered a message using the word “new” to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. They were there because they’d chosen to disregard God’s directives. They’d grown to doubt whether they would ever return to their homeland.
If anyone needed a fresh start or a second chance, the Israelites did. God saw them in their distress. He heard their cries for help, and He responded with this promise:
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 43:19)
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated “new” is “chadhash.” It means “to renew, repair, restore.” It suggests that God is up to something good and innovative.
The thought of God doing something good on their behalf gave the Israelites hope in their hard place. Yes, they’d messed up and were paying the consequences, but their past would not define their future because God had promised to make all things new. He was going to renew, repair, and restore.
God’s promise to do something new applies to us
God’s promise to do something new applies to me and you too. When God sets to work doing something new, He addresses the hurts that hide in our past. He repairs the issues we cannot fix on our own. He restores the broken pieces of our lives to make us stronger, wiser, kinder, and more like Jesus.
Those hurts, issues, and broken pieces might feel completely insurmountable to us, but nothing is impossible for God. He makes pathways through the wilderness and creates rivers in the dry wasteland.
We might not see it happening now, but let’s hold onto hope and walk surrendered to His ways in full assurance that He’s working behind the scenes. He will fulfill His promise in His perfect way and time.
Perhaps, this year, God is going to do something that’s not even on your radar. Maybe He wants to bless you in a way you don’t expect. Maybe He’ll answer a long-prayed prayer. Perhaps He’ll open a new door of opportunity at work or in ministry. Don’t be afraid. Trust Him, and ask Him to do something exceeding abundantly above anything you could ask or imagine.
Perhaps, this year, God is going to do something that’s not even on your radar. Maybe He wants to bless you in a way you don’t expect. Maybe He’ll answer a long-prayed prayer. Perhaps He’ll open a new door of opportunity at work or in ministry. Don’t be afraid. Trust Him, and ask Him to do something exceeding abundantly above anything you could ask or imagine.
Grace Fox
God is making things new for me
The word “new” is especially meaningful to me at the outset of 2026. Here’s why: Sailor-Man and I have lived full-time aboard our sailboat for nearly eight years. Contrary to “living the dream,” we made this move from obedience. God made it abundantly clear that this was His plan for us, and we complied in February 2018.
The past eight years have been joy-filled but not without challenges. The experience of living on the water in a confined space, using public showers and laundry facilities, walking a long dock with groceries and suitcases in hand come rain or shine, practically doing gymnastics to climb in and out of my bed, and more has stretched and changed me.
I’ve discovered joy in a minimalistic lifestyle. I’ve learned to love people whose beliefs and lifestyles are much different than mine. I’ve learned to adapt and be flexible and give thanks in all things, especially amid wind and waves both literal and figurative.
I’ve also enjoyed amazing productivity writing-wise. With few distractions here, I’ve written six books, recorded dozens of podcast episodes, launched “Devotions From the Dock” on YouTube, and become a member of the First 5 Bible study writing team for Proverbs 31 Ministries.
Now God is doing something new. He’s given me and Sailor-Man the Spirit’s familiar nudge, and we know in our hearts that it’s time to return to shore. We plan to keep our boat for a couple of years, but we’ll move back to the townhouse we bought in 2007 and kept for such a time as this.
Dealing with the practicalities of our new thing
Sailor-Man and I face significant change and the practical challenges that go with it. Our townhouse is about fifty years old, and a single mom with three sons lived in it for the past eleven years. All things considered, it needs alot of care.
Renovations are happening now. A contractor gutted it last week. I’ll post pictures of the process of making it new on my FB page if you’d like to follow our adventure.
Fun thing—my office will relocate from my boat to a basement where I’ll have space for a little studio. It won’t be anything fancy but at least I won’t have to try to record between windstorms, weather-related noises like boat bumpers squeaking and groaning against the dock, and jets flying overhead. I can even set up a light ring to keep lighting consistent when doing podcast interviews by Zoom.
When God makes all things new, uncertainty is a certainty and change is inevitable. Sometimes change is easier to navigate than at other times, but one thing’s for sure: God’s intent toward me and you is always good, and we can trust Him to lead us on the best pathway for our lives.
Together, let’s look forward with anticipation to what our faithful, sovereign, mighty God wants to do in, through, and for us this year. Whether it’s the restoration of a relationship, the renewal of our health, the making of a significant life transition,or other, we needn’t worry or be afraid. We can trust Him and His process because of who He is.
Out with the old. In with the new. Bring it on!
Now it’s your turn!
What ideas come to mind or what feelings arise at the thought of God doing something new in your life?
Know you are loved,
Grace
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Always love your emails and excited for you and Sailor man in your “New Thing” God is directing you to. Yesterday I listened to you on podcast with Christine Caine – it was great to hear your voice and sharing how God works in our lives.
Many Blessings to you both in this New Year. I am in tears as I listen to this song- God of all my days.❣️🙏🫂
Hi Melanie!
Thank you for popping in and sharing your comments here. I’m grateful to learn that the song in today’s blog is ministering to you. Music is a powerful force, I find.
You mentioned hearing me on a podcast with Christine Caine. I haven’t done a podcast with her, but maybe someday. I can always hope! In the meantime, be sure to listen to the one with Jennifer Slattery. That was a fun conversation about overcoming anxiety by knowing who God is as manifest through His names.
Have a great day, and know you are loved,
Grace
Thanks for this encouragement, Grace. So happy for you as you make the transition to Abbotsford. Isn’t renovating fun?! 😉 I’m praying for you and Gene!
My ‘new’ so far this year has been a delight. I’ve become the owner of a ‘new to me’ little green Toyota Prius. (I call her my Little Green P. 🙂 With Spence continuing as associate pastor at High River Baptist we were constantly juggling schedules with our one vehicle. One of my goals for 2026 is to expand my speaking/teaching ministry so having another vehicle will be necessary. If the Lord wills. I admit it’s a little scary to trust God in this but I know He always has the best for me in mind. And He knows my needs and my limits at this stage in my life. That’s a comfort.
I had breakfast with some of the senior ladies from HRBC the other day and they were asking about you, with fond memories of the retreat. We’re about to start planning for next year, with an expanded committee with ladies from a couple of the other churches in town. It looks like the Lord knew what He was doing when He nudged me to get it going.
I’m looking forward to expanding my role as a deaconess and Spence and I are just about to launch a ministry with Grief Share at the church. So that will keep me busy.
My writing goal for the immediate future is to get this fantasy novel finished. Hoping to have it ready to go to Beta readers by the end of February. I’m still praying about what’s next. Bob Fisk doesn’t miss a chance to remind me he’s waiting for book 3 in the ‘stone’ series. 🙂 And I want to republish my devotional Spur of the Moment with a new cover and new name. I only have 10 copies of the old one left and just a while ago a woman emailed to say she’s reading it for the 3rd time! So I think it warrants another go.
Seriously, I will pray for you both as the renovations and the move take place. I covet your prayers as well, as 2026 unfolds.
Blessings my friend!
Marcia
Hi Marcia! Thank you for the catch-up on everything that’s happening in your life. Goodness–your life is full and purpose-filled. I love your enthusiasm for the various roles you play. Your passion and perseverance inspire me and many others, no doubt. May 2026 overflow with evidences of God’s love and faithfulness and sovereignty in your life. May He open new doors and do exceeding abundantly above anything you could dare to ask or imagine.
Know you are loved,
Grace
Grace, this is the post that I needed. I had commented that I felt hopeless. I lost my oldest daughter from drug addiction in September of 2024. She was 43, and left she young adults that were broken for her years of use. Her husband died two months later from addiction and cancer. My other daughter stepped in to mother the kids. Unfortunately, she was at risk for going to jail again because she violated probation. She had a long history of drug addiction. She got pulled over for having a light out over her license plate, and she was taken to jail this past October. She was a rock for all of us. You see, my husband has mild dementia, and can be a lonely and stressful world. I need hope, and this post offered it. Thank you.
Pamela, words fail to express the pain I feel for your pain. I am so very sorry for the heartache and loss you have experienced. May the knowledge of the truth that God can and will make all things new continue to restore your hope. May 2026 be filled with tangible evidences of God’s presence with you, and may His peace rule in your heart.
Know you are loved, sweet friend,
Grace
Dear Grace. Am always eager to read an email from you.
This year am trusting God to make a significant life transition.
Hi Aidan!
May you move into that life transition with peace in your heart. If God is leading you there, then He’s already there and preparing things for you.
Know you are loved,
Grace
Hallelujah
Thank you so much! I Love yr wisdom
I can really relate. Faith also helps with her words when I lose my loved ones
I love every yr a new word. Last yr was Hope. He has worked in my life like you wouldn’t believe. So many loses & Christian Grief share & therapy & great changes, when I lost my job right after & was broke, when I thought I couldn’t even survive anymore. I started my own business that I just love & paid off my debts & making more, so that I can give back. So Grateful to God! This Yr the word New
Hi Dianne! Thanks for popping in to share your thoughts. It sounds like God has done an amazing work in your life. He has truly given you a reason to rejoice by coming to your rescue in a tangible way. Your word for this year is “new?” That’s great — then this blog probably brought a smile to your face.
Know you are loved,
Grace
So excited to follow your journey as you move onto “solid ground”!
You are such an inspiration to me of grace (no pun intended) resilience and faith.
I love all your books! Did I hear a rumour another is on the way?
Blessings in your new adventure ❤️🙏
Hi Donna!
Thanks for stopping by here to share your comments. And thanks for following along as we move back to solid ground. I can hardly believe it’s been eight years since we moved aboard the boat.
My hearts sings knowing you love my books. And the rumor you heard is true! The third book in the Names of God series will release on July 7. It’s title is Names of God: Growing Strong. The names in this book are perhaps less well-known than some in the other two, but that’s a good thing. They teach us more about who God is, and those truths ought to leave us awestruck.
Have a great day, and know you are loved,
Grace
Thanks so much for those beautiful words of encouragement!! This year 10 ladies and i have been doing your book Knowing peace. It has been a wonderful time together. You were introduced to us by Ruth Pauls who attends the Alliance church with us. We have learned so much about peace Gods gift to us. I noticed you are planning to come to missions fest in manitoba in Feb. I would love to be there and meet you!!! However I will be in Capetown visiting my daughter and her family who are serving there with YWAM. I hope I get to meet you some day. God bless you in all the exciting new adventures you will be having this year. Annabelle Campbell
Hi Annabelle!
Thanks so much for popping in here. I love reading everyone’s comments and hearing tidbits about what’s happening in others’ lives. Thanks, too, for your encouraging words regarding your group studying “Names of God: Knowing Peace.” That’s such a relevant topic these days considering the world’s growing uncertainty. But God is sovereign, right? We needn’t get all worked up because He is still on the throne. Has your group studied the first in the series — “Names of God: Living Unafraid?” The third is scheduled for release in July — “Names of God: Growing Strong.”
Enjoy your visit with your daughter and her family. It’s a shame we can’t meet face to face in Winnipeg, but your family takes priority.
Know you are loved,
Grace
I’m excited for the changes in your life. I love the water, but I have to live on the land lol. Hope all works out even more than you expected. God bless. ❤️ G
Hi Gina!
I’m excited, too. Transition always comes with change and unknowns, but I have 100% peace that we’re on the path of God’s choosing. Everything’s going to be okay even though it’s a little nutty some days.
Know you are loved,
Grace
Thanks for your message. We will be doing the first book in spring when I get back or the fall. We are all looking forward to continuing with the names of God. I’m sure your book in July will be amazing too. May God continue to bless your ministry! Thanks for the reminder that I am loved. You are loved too!! Annabelle Campbell