December 06, 2024
God understands us. He knows it is hard for us to stand in faith (particularly in the midst of trouble) without hearing from a higher Source. Without a promise from Him.
He is always waiting to meet us where we are to see if we will cooperate.
ISAIAH’S WORD
The land of Judah was in trouble. Two foreign kings had arisen to try to destroy her. The prophet asked the people to ask God for a sign, for a Word from Him, so that they could believe that God was in control.
In their condition, they couldn’t even muster up that ask. So Isaiah says, “Alright, then God is just going to give you a sign for you to believe.” And then He speaks one of the most significant promises that has ever come from the Throne to earth.
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. He will eat curds and honey at the time He knows enough to refuse evil and choose good. For before the boy will know enough to refuse evil and choose good, the land whose two kings you dread will be forsaken. (Isaiah 7:14-16)
Once again, God promises the highest event in history. A virgin will conceive a child (which is impossible), and it will be God’s Son who has come to dwell with us. The Messiah that the earth must have and whom God’s people had been looking for. We will receive His presence in literal, flesh-and-blood, and His presence is our greatest need and sufficient answer.
And then, almost as a side note, Isaiah mentions their immediate problem and its resolution. “And, oh, by the way. Way before that Messiah comes, God will destroy your enemies. He just wanted you to realize what He can do … and will do. Now, will you believe Him?” Isaiah is saying.
HIS PROMISES TO YOU
God is faithful. He has given us over 7,000 promises in the Bible. It has been my experience for over 50 years that, at any point of need for any issue, God will speak to me directly and specifically, giving me a promise so that I can believe. It’s my regular habit in the last decades, when I am in trouble, to cry out to Him and “ask for a sign,” which, to me, is a promise from the Scriptures. He has faithfully provided these for decades, and He has always (always) been true to do what He promises.
God’s faithfulness is as solid as the promise and fulfillment of the Messiah’s birth. Just as He is enough for our salvation and life, His promises are sufficient for our faith and current need.
February 20, 2025
If you have questions about how real, how present, how personal and intimate the Lord is, then just read six words of travelogue in Luke’s journal as he traveled with Paul.
February 18, 2025
I have known many people who have had great joy and power in the midst of great suffering. It is humbling that the slightest inconveniences deter many of us from following God. We have not gotten to the bottom—settled the issue. Most often, we live for our comfort, reputation, or gain. When any of those goals are touched, we are troubled and discontent.
February 17, 2025
The repentant who finds God gains everything. “He who has God and everything else,” said C.S. Lewis, “has no more than he who has God alone.”
