The news from Indonesia has been heartbreaking with the number of people who died. First as an earthquake hit their area and then in the aftermath of the tsunami. It’s like a one-two punch from nature when something bad is followed by something worse. Life can be full of one-two punches, someone gets sick and then their house burns down. In those moments we really get what it was like to be Job, to have your crops burn, your livestock stolen and then news that your children died. And right at first you aren’t allowed to turn to the last page and see how it all works out. These are the times when our faith is really tested. It is also the time when God can shine through the brightest. I may have the best and brightest searchlight ever but on a bright sunny day it’s of minimal use. In the darkest of nights is when it shines its best and when I need it the most.
You probably haven’t been hit by an earthquake followed by a tsunami, even though you may have been hit by a hurricane followed by days of torrential rain, but maybe lately several days have ganged up on you. We need to remember the words of Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.” In this section of Isaiah the Lord is reassuring his people he is there for them, they don’t need to fear. He will take them by the right hand and lead them. It should be noted Isaiah wrote at a time when God and Judah (the southern Kingdom) were not on good terms and much of what Isaiah has to say is a warning. Yet even in these times God was also telling his people how much he loved them and longed for them. He was still there for them.
Too often when we are going through difficult times we see God as mad at us, mad and punishing. In reality even in these times God is loving and merciful, just when we need that the most. So when you feel like life is giving you a good thrashing, look around to see that searchlight from God. It’s there; you just have to look for it.
You probably haven’t been hit by an earthquake followed by a tsunami, even though you may have been hit by a hurricane followed by days of torrential rain, but maybe lately several days have ganged up on you. We need to remember the words of Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.” In this section of Isaiah the Lord is reassuring his people he is there for them, they don’t need to fear. He will take them by the right hand and lead them. It should be noted Isaiah wrote at a time when God and Judah (the southern Kingdom) were not on good terms and much of what Isaiah has to say is a warning. Yet even in these times God was also telling his people how much he loved them and longed for them. He was still there for them.
Too often when we are going through difficult times we see God as mad at us, mad and punishing. In reality even in these times God is loving and merciful, just when we need that the most. So when you feel like life is giving you a good thrashing, look around to see that searchlight from God. It’s there; you just have to look for it.
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