Daily Devotions – I myself will help you

Daily Devotions – I myself will help you

 

 

Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:

Isaiah 41:8-14 (NIV)

“But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 11 “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. 12 Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. 13 For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. 14 Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

This powerful passage was written for the time when the people of Israel were about to return to their homeland, after living as refugees in Babylon for about 70 years. They had gotten comfortable in the foreign land, and many were reluctant to pick up everything and walk hundreds of miles back to a place that only their grandparents had seen with their eyes. Once again, it is God who takes the initiative, telling his people that he will take their hand and lead them. In what areas of your life do you need to allow God to take your hand? Where is God sending you that you are afraid to go? If it is God’s idea, God will go with you! (See also Isaiah 40:27-31 in the previous chapter, for more on trusting God.)