8 “Remember this, keep it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels.9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ 11 From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. (Isaiah 46:8-10b,11;8-11 in context)
But this is what the LORD says: “Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save. 26 I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh; they will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine. Then all mankind will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” (Isaiah 49:25b; 25-26 in context)
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (I Peter 5:5b-7 in context)
God’s Word is something we can depend on. The verses above stood out to me, at times in my life when I needed to hear these admonishments in order to hang on, hang in there.
I was reminded then, just as I am reminded now to keep God’s promises in mind, and to take to heart just Who God is. Who God is – well, He is actually bigger than any one of us can truly fathom. He is a bit of an enigma, but as we seek Him we begin to understand His awesomeness, His eternal qualities and His power and sovereignty: I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.
During difficult and trying times in our lives (and who, by the way doesn’t have at least a few areas of life that are not where we ‘d like them to be) we can count on God, His purposes and His plans. So, if there is an area of your life where you have sensed God has said one thing, but you do not see it yet, you can still count on God keeping His word: What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. To trust God in those moments, (even hours, days, weeks, months, even years) when we struggle with difficulties, heartache, trying circumstances, or even waiting for God, that is faith. And it is precisely our faith that God is developing, along with Christlikeness in you (and me). God has plans for each one of us, and in those plans, he also has specific purposes for us, and for those we come in contact with, for our development as Christ followers, and the specific things we are called to do.
As we follow Christ, we will have those who oppose us. We are in the midst of a great spiritual battle. And, while this battle is ultimately taking place in the spiritual realm, we may experience difficulties in the physical realm as well. God says, I will contend with those who contend with you. God has got your back. He is your defender and your friend, as well as your God and Creator.
In light of all this, know the promises of God. And, as you learn and grow in the Word, you may certainly remind God of the promises He has made - to each one of us. Then, as you fulfill your vows to God, know that He will also fulfill the promises in His Word to you.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Selah.
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