A New Way in the Wilderness

This is what the Lord says — he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. ~ Isaiah 43:16, 18-19 (NIV) 

What is more a wasteland than a person
relying on substances, behaviors, control
of chaotic circumstances...on self...
to muddle through? How can we traverse the swamp?
How can we overcome ourselves and find a path?
Must we rely on tales of Adam and Eve,
of Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses and David?
Sure, there are tales of miracles, but how and why
should we perceive them as other than those of Hercules,
Thor, Poseidon, Odin, Mercury, Adonis, Loki?
The tales seem to read the same. The past,
before real history has no pull on my soul.
But what of real history? Of people alive now?
If real people tell me, show me from their own path
of  a new thing springing up; of changed lives
that once were hopeless like mine?
Can it really be true there is a Power
making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland, transforming lives
as hopeless as mine? Surely it's worth my time
to talk to such people, to try their path,
to take their steps, to allow myself the thrill
of passing through the wasteland
to find what they swear to be real!