Isaiah 41 -- God Speaking To America?

Just as surely as God called Cyrus as He mentions here, He also calls us, and these words seem to read across the miles and the centuries to us today:

“Faraway countries (U.S.?), listen to Me … Come to Me and speak; we will meet together to decide who is right (us or God?)…. Who has caused this to happen?  Who has controlled history since the beginning?  I, the Lord, am the One.  I was here at the beginning, and I will be here when all things are finished … All you faraway places (U.S.?) look and be afraid … come close and listen to Me … You are My servants … I chose you.  You are from the family of My friend Abraham.  I took you from places far away on the earth and called you from a faraway country.  I said, ‘You are My servants.’  I have chosen you and have not turned against you.  So don’t worry, because I am with you.  Don’t be afraid, because I am your God.  I will make you strong and will help you;  I will support you with My right hand that saves You (Christ).  All those people who are angry with you will be ashamed and disgraced.  Those who are against you will disappear and be lost …Those who fought against you will vanish completely.”

And with perfect timing for Father’s Day, think about the picture God describes here:

“I am the Lord Your God, who holds your right hand, and I tell you, ‘Don’t be afraid.  I will help you.  I Myself will help You.  The One who saves you is the Holy One of Israel … I, the Lord, will answer their prayers.  I, the God of Israel, will not leave them to die … People will see these things and understand.  They will think carefully about these things and learn that the Lord’s power did this.”

Father, You speak to our nation again.  You speak to me as my Father.  And I hear You speaking to my very sick friend in this, too.  Continue to work a miracle with her healing.  Give her a story to tell that will glorify You.  Do what You say here, Father.  And thanks for being my Father!

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford