Tuesday, March 24 2009
ISAIAH 7
Key Verse: Isaiah 7:4 “And say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.”
Are you fearful of life challenges or crises? Many of us seemingly go through crises as though we can handle them but deep in our hearts and minds, we are fearful of them. We are like ducks swimming in the pond, looking compose and calm, but underneath the water, their webbed feet are struggling against the currents as they move forward.
Ahaz, the king of Judah, was fearful of the impending crisis as his southern kingdom, entered into a civil war with the northern kingdom, Israel, who had alliance with Syria. But God encouraged Ahaz that He was with him as he went through the battle.
1. Take Heed
Be Careful of what we are doing whether be it our career, ministry, family and personal life. Do not let the devil takes potshots at you due to your carelessness. This is the reason why God commands his leaders to be blameless as they are examples to the Christians, the saints of God.
“A bishop then must be blameless, ...” 1 Timothy 3:2.
“… let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.” I Timothy 3:10.
2. Be Quiet
Have you analyzed yourself when you are faced with fierce challenges or provocation? How do you react or response?
“For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.” Isaiah 30:15.
Indeed, when you response with quietness and confidence in the midst of challenging situations, you shall have the strength of the Lord.
3. Fear Not
Do you panic and fear when face with crises? Do you flee and run away from crises or do you face them head on with the power and presence of God?
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9.
Thank God who is with you in time of crises and life challenges. God shall never forsake or leave you alone as He is our rock and refuge!
Food for Thought
Crises are opportunities for you to know that God is with you!