Isaiah 41

I have been studying Isaiah for a while. Today I read Ch. 41. It starts out with God describing His sovereignty over world events. God uses even secular world leaders like unbelieving Cyrus the Great to accomplish His purposes, and unbelieving nations do not realize that His hand is working. When they see the Lord act, they fear and tremble, but they do not turn to the Lord. Instead, they work together to create more gods (idols) to worship and in whom to hope.

Then God reminds Israel that He chose them. He chose them from the beginning. He remembers His covenant with them. And He tells them, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (v. 10). This same Israel who rebelled against the Lord, this same Israel who partnered with unbelieving nations around her--God will help her.

Isaiah 41 continues with Israel's opponents being no match for the LORD God. Because of the Lord's devotion to His people, He will not let Israel's opponents stand. They will go to nothing. He holds Israel's right hand, none other's. God then reiterates again that He Himself is the One who helps Israel, so they have no reason to fear (v. 13). He will give her the victory, and He will receive the glory. He will use her against the nations.Then God will give aid to the poor and needy in ways that are unnatural, so that the nations will know that God is the One who has done all this.

I see myself in this passage. I was filled with hope in reading God's commitment to protect and uphold His people in covenant faithfulness because I know that He has that same commitment to me. Israel was a harlot, but God never forsook her. I am like her. Israel experienced oppression, exile, and many threats, but God is her God, and He is with her and for her. I am like her because in my suffering God never faints or grows weary, and walks with me, having suffered before me.

I am seeing and experiencing His love afresh. It is in this passage. It is in my life. Lately I have had many questions and concerns about my calling, ministry, education, and understanding and application of biblical womanhood. I felt lost, which in this case, I think, was a good thing. I have come to realize that fear of making a wrong decision about the future paralyzed me from making any decision at all. But God has helped me and is helping me. He is speaking to me and guiding me through Scripture, sermons, friendly counsel, and prayer. I was never lost. He found me long ago. Thanks be to Jesus Christ!

I have no reason to fear. God is with me. When God Himself is with me, who or what can stand against me? Even failure and loneliness is no match for the living God. "...the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other" (Deuteronomy 4:39).