Strength in the uncertainties of life

I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying, ‘You are my servant.’ For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand... For I hold you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help. you.” Isaiah 41:9-10, 13

With too many uncertainties in life, people at times become absorbed to taking control of their lives. They wanted to plan out everything in their lives that they will organize in such a way that they would prevent glitches to happen only to discover that there is no such thing as a full-proof plan. A believer could only be in bondage by fears and anxieties when he or she allows them to take them captive. This is what God wants to convey to the Israelites in Isaiah 41. He wanted them to realize that even if people will resort to worshiping another god aside from the One-True God, the god they worship will not have any control in human affairs. “Present the case for your idols,” says the Lord... Yes, tell us what will occur in the days ahead. Then we will know you are gods. In fact, do anything—good or bad! Do something that will amaze and frighten us. But no! You are less than nothing and can do nothing at all. Those who choose you pollute themselves. “Let them show what they can do” (Isaiah 41:21; 23-24). From the text, the prophet Isaiah declared that the only way believers could find peace and strength during tumultuous times is to trust the One-True God. We can only overcome fears and anxieties by placing our trust in God. He wants us to acknowledge His presence in us and in every affair of our lives. The Israelites have proven for themselves that He is faithful from the beginning of time. “Who has done such mighty deeds, summoning each new generation from the beginning of time? It is I, the Lord, the First and the Last. I alone am he” (Isaiah 61:4). This is also the promise we have in Christ Jesus. “I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One” (Revelation 1:8). Recognizing His presence will help us defeat the grip of fear. So no matter what the future holds, if you are a believer and a child of God, claim His promise, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). God will never lie to you. It is only when you trust Him that you could overcome your fears. Be steadfast in your resolve that you will take Him at His word that He will not let you be alone and that He is there to walk with you in times of uncertainties.

Blessings,

Noel De Guzman

www.my-wbc.com