This chapter is pretty dense and includes much prophesy (including one about Jesus’ coming), though this is what really jumped out at me for today:
” ‘If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.’ ” (v9b)
Israel is yet again besieged by enemies (and former allies), yet God speaks to them and reassures them they will not fall. And here’s what I needed to hear today: If I’m not firm in my faith, I’m not firm at all. In other words, if I don’t have faith in God and trust His promises, I don’t have faith or trust in anything of substance.
You may or may not be aware that life is kind of rough for my family right now. We’re currently having health problems upon health problems with multiple family members. Difficult times like these are where faith needs to take the driver’s seat and control our reactions. Could I get frustrated, angry, bitter, resentful, etc. against God? Of course I could. I could also faithfully trust that He has a plan, and He will somehow be glorified in our circumstances while fulfilling His promises.
I encourage us (especially me) no never lose faith / trust in God and His promises. We may not understand or be happy with with our circumstances, yet when we stay rooted in God we can still experience the joy of the Lord, and peace that surpasses all understanding. Believe it or not, the joy and peace that come from remaining faithful to God in the midst of great trial, do make it easier to weather the storms and rough circumstances of life – I speak this from experience.
Father God, our Steadfast and Trustworthy Lord, we praise Your holy and glorious name. Though we struggle and stumble from many hardships in this life, Your promises remain unshaken. Though we are broken and bruised people, Your word is a healing balm. Though we feel lost and confused, Your presence is a beacon of hope. Please draw near to us in rough times, and gently remind us to lean on You when our legs are too weak to stand. We seek to honor, glorify, praise and obey You, each and every day, for our remaining days, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training