Faith in dark times
Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame. He who gives me justice is near. Who will dare to bring charges against me now? Where are my accusers? Let them appear! See, the Sovereign Lord is on my side! Who will declare me guilty? All my enemies will be destroyed like old clothes that have been eaten by moths! Who among you fears the Lord and obeys his servant? If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the Lord and rely on your God. But watch out, you who live in your own light and warm yourselves by your own fires. This is the reward you will receive from me: You will soon fall down in great torment. Isaiah 50:7-11 NLT
Obeying God by doing His will pays off. This is what Isaiah was reminding the Israelites from the text. It will appear at the moment that it is not beneficial to trust God but just like what Isaiah said, “I will not be disgraced... I will not be put to shame.” Our Lord Jesus Christ has proven to us that what appears to be defeat when He suffered and died was victory after all because of the unexpected and unstoppable resurrection. He will never be scarred again and suffer for He is alive. This is why the Bible challenges us to remain faithful and to continue trusting Him. Even if at times, following God seemed to be difficult, yet He commands us to continue on and persevere. “If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the Lord and rely on your God” (Isaiah 50:10). This is what Christian life is all about. Though we live in perplexing times where there seemed to be no light, God wants us to continue to have faith in Him for such faith overcomes darkness. It is during times of darkness where faith should be strengthened. When there is no visible road ahead of us, God wants us not to panic and be anxious, instead believe that He is there with us. Our acts of dependence on God will prove that we are listening to Him. God did not promise that we will not be distressed by the experiences in life but what He promised is that He will always be with us. “‘For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you’” (Hebrews 13:5). Even when we do not see Him and darkness surrounds us, He is there leading us and will light the path before us. “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12).
Blessings,
