“…in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you BY YOUR FAITH.” (1 Thess. 3:7-8) Faith in God brings comfort and cheer, even in the midst of STRESS AND SEVERE DIFFICULTIES. Faith is what helps us trust God in difficult times. Why is that? Because, “Faith shows the REALITY of what we hope for; it is the EVIDENCE of things we cannot see.” (Heb. 11:1) Our having faith in the Lord is very pleasing to Him, “…it is IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD WITHOUT FAITH. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God EXISTS and that He REWARDS those who sincerely SEEK HIM.” (Heb. 11:6)
Isaiah was chosen by God to deliver an important message to the Israelites. God set up His people for an incredible future of redemption and hope. But before all that can happen, God gave Isaiah an intense vision that overwhelmed him. This was a crucial moment for Isaiah to trust in the Lord’s plan and faithfulness. “My stomach aches and burns with pain. Sharp pangs of anguish are upon me, like those of a woman in labor. I GROW FAINT WHEN I HEAR WHAT GOD IS PLANNING; I am too afraid to look.” (Isa. 21:3) As Isaiah began to do the Lord’s work, He spoke to Isaiah, “I replied, “But my work seems so useless…Yet I leave it all in the LORD’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.” And now the LORD speaks—The LORD says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a LIGHT TO THE GENTILES, and you will bring my salvation to the ENDS OF THE EARTH.” (Isa. 49:4-6) We just need to trust in God and He will do AMAZING THINGS through us…
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham