July 16, 2017. Isaiah 13-17

In Order. Hold On

Depressing comes to mind after reading these chapters.  They are full of prophecies against nations and how they will come to an end. Survivors being despised, cities left in ruins and all because those nations did not follow the Lord.  Harsh, yes, but necessary. 

Following Christ is black and white, there is no room for your own interpretation or your own idea of what being a Christian is all about.  It is not always sunshine and butterflies, if it were we would not need faith to follow an unseen God.  When the trials come, when you cannot seem to find an end to suffering, those are the times that sometimes challenge us the most.  When we can’t understand why such a loving God would allow such destruction and hate. 

As depressing and harsh as these chapters may seem, look at the hope that can be found there as well. 

Isaiah 16:4-5

The oppressor will come to an end,
    and destruction will cease;
    the aggressor will vanish from the land.
5 In love a throne will be established;
    in faithfulness a man will sit on it—
    one from the house of David—
one who in judging seeks justice
    and speeds the cause of righteousness.

Even during the darkest times, when you may not be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, or feel as if everything in this world is against you; know this, it will all come to an end and will cease.  The battle has already been won and we are awaiting Christ, our Lord and Saviour to take the throne in love. 

The oppressor can only do so much here on earth, he is limited in the amount of destruction he is able to do and he only has so much power to try and drag you down.  Hold on to that faith, hold on to that hope, because no matter how dark some days may seem, no matter how hard your life may be, no matter what circumstances are surrounding you right now; the Lord, your God, your Protector and Provider is right there with you.

We have a God who wants to have a very personal relationship with us, he wants to hear your concerns and your fears, he wants to know your frustrations and victories.  Cling to him, run to him, hold tight to the truth that can only be found in your Heavenly Father.  The opporessor, the destruction, the aggressor is only here for a short time, then love and faithfulness will overtake and conquer. 

Hang in there, find comfort in the scriptures and know that your war has already been won. The small battles from day to day are a last ditch effort by an angry and cruel oppressor who is determined to try and pull you away from your Heavenly Father, don’t give him that satisfaction.