Isaiah 40 -- Our Circumstances

I love how this chapter points us to God’s awesomeness.  I also love some things my commentary brought out:

“God is greater than the circumstances BEHIND us … The remnant in Babylon looked back, seeing only failure and sin, needing encouragement.  Four voices are heard, each with a special message … The voice of pardon …The nation had sinned greatly against the Lord … But they were still His people, and He loved them.  Though He would chasten them, He would not forsake them… The voice of providence … The Jews had a rough road ahead of them, … but the Lord would go before them and open the way … The way back may not be easy, but if we are trusting God, it will be easier… The voice of promise … Like the grass, nations and their leaders fulfill their purposes and then fade away, but the Word of God abides forever … As they began their long journey home, Israel could depend on God’s promises … The voice of peace … God’s arm is a might arm for winning the battle, but it is also a loving arm for carrying His weary lambs.

God is greater than the circumstances BEFORE us … When you behold the greatness of God, you will see everything else in life in its proper perspective.

God is greater than the circumstances WITHIN us … God knows how we feel and how we fear, and He is adequate to meet our every need.  We can never obey God in our own strength, but we can always trust Him to provide the strength we need.  If we trust ourselves, we will faint and fall, but if we wait on the Lord by faith, we will receive strength for the journey … It is much harder to walk in the ordinary pressures of life than to fly like an eagle in a time of crisis.  The greatest heroes of faith are not always those who seem to be soaring; often it is they who are patiently plodding … God enables us to walk longer.  Blessed are the plodders.”

Father, thanks for lifting me up just when I need it.  When life knocks the wind out of me, causes me to feel entitled to sin, or looks absolutely hopeless, Your strong arms are there in reassurance and forgiveness, holding me close.  You know my future and You have Your absolute best planned for me, even when I sin and find myself off the path You’ve laid out for me.  Thank You for Your sovereignty, Your omniscience, and Your omnipresence.  Thank You for using Your great power just for me.  Such love!

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford