Larry Siegle · Isaiah 43:18, 19
Link to sermon video: A Boat Trip with Jesus – L Siegle
God the “Way Maker”
“A Boat Trip with Jesus”
(Isaiah 43:18, 19)
Thesis: Seeing God as the Way Maker
INTRODUCTION
1. The title of this series is, “God the “Way Maker””
2. The time of this message is, “A Boat Trip with Jesus”
3. There is no question that each day of our lives can, and often does become an adventure.
THE PRESENCE OF THE STORM
1. If we took the time, nearly everyone here today could relate some story or event or experience related to the recent series of “storms” all across the United States…
a. Stories of loss, of pain, and suffering of thousands who were ‘negatively impacted’ by what happened…
b. Some prepared, storing up necessary items, bundling up with warm clothing, and staying inside…
c. Some did “nothing” (we have had plenty of “bad storms” before, and this too shall pass…
d. Whether it was excessive amounts and accumulation of snow, or powerlines breaking under the weight of the vast accumulation of ice (stuff happened).
2. People traveling were often stranded along the way…and no other choice but to “wait until the conditions improved”
3. According to the most recent inform, at least 34 people in 14 states lost their lives from the ice, snow, and extreme cold conditions—we should remember their families and loved ones in our prayers.
4. Living life is a ‘dangerous proposition’ at any time, in any place, under any circumstances.
5. I have lived all over the United States and my experiences has been in places where ‘natural disasters’ can and often do occur.
a. There are actually 24 types of ‘natural disasters’ that can and often do happen with very little warning or ability for people to prepare for what is coming.
GOD IS THE “WAY MAKER”
1. The testimony of the prophet Isaiah where God confronts the unfaithfulness of His people, reminding them of His power, of His love, and His devotion to them as His people.
a. Isa. 43:1—God is the creator. He is the one who “formed” His people, He is their redeemer, and they are considered God’s “precious possession”.
b. Isa. 43:2—God’s presence is there in times of extreme difficulty, no river or flood will overwhelm them.
c. Isa. 43:4—Israel is honored and shown to be precious in God’s sight.
d. Isa. 43:5-6—God’s deliverance of His people from every direction (north, south, east, west) all mentioned.
e. Isa. 43:7—All those created for His glory were being reminded of God’s greatness.
f. Isa. 43:8—People have their physical senses but do not actually understand God’s greatness or His glory.
g. Isa. 43:10—God reminds Israel that they have “witnessed” God work, God’s care, God’s deliverance and needed to exercise their faith in Him.
h. Isa. 43:18, 19—God tells His people not to dwell on the “past” no matter what they have faced from other nations (Assyria, Babylon), become God is the “Way Maker” (v. 16).
i. Isa. 43:19—God is going to do something new (Chadash)—something “fresh” (not absolutely new, but something in the realm of restoration, renewal—this word is equivalent to the Greek word (kainos) that speaks of God’s purpose to restore what was broken or damaged (Rev. 21:1, 5).
2. As we study these things we will see the portrait of our God as the “Way Maker” whose power, providence, love, and character speaks to His goodness, grace, and mercy!
3. By way of comparison, the New Covenant is “fresh” in its ability to restore “in Christ” what had become lost because of the entrance of sin and death.
a. The Old Covenant is called the “ministry of death” and the “ministry of condemnation” whereas the New Covenant is contrasted as the “ministry of the Spirit” and the “ministry of righteousness” (II Cor. 3:7- 10). The Old was in the process of “fading away” while the glory of the New was in the process of being shown in “much more” glory than the Old (II Cor. 3:10).
THE BASIS OF GOD’S ABILITY AS THE WAY MAKER
1. How is God considered the “way maker” in the lives of His people (Num. 23:19)?
a. The truth of God’s Word is forever settled (Psa. 119:89)—“to stay constantly”
b. Believers are “sanctified” by the truth (John 17:17).
c. We can feed ourselves on “every word” (Matt. 4:4).
2. God is not limited by our dead ends. When we face “Red Sea” moments—where the enemy is behind us and an impassable sea is in front of us—God doesn’t just suggest a detour; He creates a path that didn’t exist before.
3. The “wilderness” represents the dry, lonely, and seasonal stretches of life. In these times, the problem isn’t just finding a direction, but finding the resources to survive the journey. God is a Way Maker who provides “streams in the wasteland,” (wilderness) ensuring that the path He makes is also a path that sustains.
4. Often, we want the way to be made instantly, but God makes the way as we move. The Way Maker frequently waits for the “step of faith” before the God’s work in the path appears. He provides enough light for the next step, rather than the whole mile.
CONCLUSION
1. In 2026, how big is our God? How much are we going to walk with Him each day, trust Him with all of our needs, and continue moving in the direction we need to go?
2. Jesus told His followers to trust Him as “the way” (John 14:6).
3. One day, Jesus was tired from a busy day of ministry and told the disciples to get into the boat and head toward the “other side” of the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35-41).
a. The Master spoke and told them what the destination was going to be.
b. Jesus took a nap, confident that His own words were true and that they were going to the “other side”
d. The “storm” came along and shook the boat and water was coming in (these were experienced fisherman).
e. They “woke” Jesus up instead of simply trusting His words.
f. Jesus rebuked the “wind” and then proceeded to rebuke His own disciples.
4. It is a human tendency to fret and complain, and to mutter and whine when the impossible situations of life come along and it looks like our “boat” is about to sink.
5. THIS is the time, to be steadfast and to trust the words of Jesus and the counsel of His Word instead of our “feelings” that simply cannot be trusted.
Outline (Word document): Way_Maker.docx