Do the situations of your life ever get so frustrating or overwhelming that you wonder if continuing to live is even worth the effort? Does it ever feel like the God you have heard about did all His good work in the past? Stories of Him rescuing people; fighting in miraculous ways to provide victory; bringing plagues to show His power and authority over all creation and that there is no comparison between Him and the gods of the nations all around—where are these things now? The God who sent the death angel to set His people free; who parted the Red Sea and drowned Pharaoh’s army; who provided direction through a pillar of cloud and fire; who made the walls of Jericho fall flat; who sent hail stones and made the sun stand still so Israel could conquer the Promised Land—where is that God now? Do I worship an obsolete and irrelevant God who lives only in stories of the past?
Do you suppose these were some of the thoughts of the Israelites who witnessed the attack of the Assyrians upon Jerusalem during the time of Isaiah? If God really sees our desperation and does nothing about it, could it be that He is not powerful enough to overcome? Maybe He just doesn’t care? Could it be that he is too tired or weary to make a difference? How could the creator of the universe profess to love His people and then sit back and watch as they were thrown out of their homes and sent into captivity as slaves? Perhaps the promises of God aren’t worth the tablets they were written upon?
Isaiah addresses these very questions as he writes to those in Jerusalem about what God is doing through the Assyrians. In Chapter 40, he speaks to their fear, calling them to be comforted (V. 1). He claims God is a shepherd caring for the ewe lambs, carrying them and keeping them safe (V. 11). In answer to any questions about the power of God, he writes about His immense size, power and control as the creator who weighs the mountains in scales and measures the heavens. The nations are like a speck of dust to Him (V. 12-17)! He is also the One who created the stars, names them, and makes sure not one is missing (V. 26). Thus, what will you compare Him to (V. 25)? As far as His promises are concerned, Isaiah boldly claims in V. 8, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever!” In other words, His promises will not fail! The picture Isaiah is painting is that there is nothing that compares with God! He is the All-Powerful Creator who still works in His world!
Notice where Isaiah’s thoughts turn as he applies his understanding of God and His ways to those facing pain, displacement, an uncertain future and fear. He reminds the Israelites to wait upon the Lord. In so doing, they will gain new strength, soar like eagles, run without getting tired, and walk without becoming weary (V. 31). When things seem overwhelming, it is not that God is weak, uncaring, full of hot air, or irrelevant! Trusting Him means He will work things out according to His timing as is best for His eternal kingdom. Our power comes in waiting upon Him! There are many things calling for our allegiance or causing distraction, but turning to things less than Him never works. Don’t settle for temporary fixes when the One completely in control offers His strength for an eternal solution! He is our power!
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-Scott
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