Stand firm in your faith

We live in trying and stressful times. Our world is shaken by war, pandemic, economic uncertainty and governmental intrusion into the lives of their citizens. If we were a people of faith, we would cry out to God for understanding and deliverance. We would want to understand how we got to this place, what He wants us to learn from these challenges and how He will enable us to face these difficulties.

We would pray for deliverance from these hardships. We should pray for deliverance; not for our comfort, but to glorify Him. Glorify God as the one who was able to deliver us.

Unfortunately, we are an increasingly secular society that looks to government and political leaders to resolve the problems of the world and not God. We are not driven to our knees in prayer. We do not pray for understanding and deliverance. We do not respond by repenting and confessing our sins. Not that the difficulties are punishment for our sins. Difficulties increase our awareness of our dependence on God. As we look to God, we become more aware of how we have failed to trust and obey Him. Finally, we are not sorry for putting our trust in humans rather than in God.

God sent the prophet Isaiah to Ahaz the king of Judah when they were invaded by two foreign nations. Ahaz did not look to God for deliverance. Instead, he was looking to make military alliances in order to repel the invaders.

First God has Isaiah reassure Ahaz that the invaders will not defeat Judah. “‘Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart” (Isaiah 7:4) However, when King Ahaz does not believe that God will deliver Judah, God has Isaiah rebuke Ahaz. “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all” (Isaiah 7:9).

When Jesus celebrated His last Passover meal with His disciples, he warned them and reassured them. He warned them, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). He never promised them a life of comfort.

He also reassured them, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1). They knew from the scriptures how God had delivered His people. Jesus as God in the flesh would do the same.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27). We base our peace on our God and not on our circumstances.

Finally, Jesus merges the two realities of trouble and deliverance. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Yehovah is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of Yehovah (Lamentations 3:25-26).