The Pastor's Place

My Bible reading today finds me in Isaiah and I believe that a particular passage provides us with some excellent advice.  God directs Isaiah to speak to King Ahaz regarding the apparent threat of Israel and Syria.  The king is terrified, but God's word is direct: "Stop worrying..." (7:4).  Here's why: God's plan was in effect and apostate kings and pagan armies could not alter what He would do.  “This invasion will never happen; it will never take place" (7:7).  Their leaders were men, but Judah's leader was God!  Then look at this last piece of advice for King Ahaz: "Unless your faith is firm, I cannot make you stand firm" (7:9).  In other words, "If you don't trust Me, My plan, you can't stand against this threat."

God's Word has much to say about worrying.  In Matthew 6, Jesus directed His followers, "Do not worry..."  Four times He repeats this instruction and gives a clear reason in each for why we should not worry.  We waste alot of time in this futile exercise and God clearly wants us to stand firm - even in the face of overwhelming odds!  His promises are sure - His plans will succeed.

"Worrying" and it's admonition to "Stand firm" are common themes in Scripture because it is a common problem for man.  God tells Moses to "Stand firm" and watch His deliverance in Exodus 14.  Joshua gets some much needed encouragement from the Angel of the Lord in Joshua 1.  I really like the Word of the Lord to King Jehoshaphat. God's battle plan for the a vast army arrayed against His people can be found in 2 Chronicles 20:17 - "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you." 

If you're going through a difficult time, facing the unknown and uncertain about your future - trust God. The antidote for worry is truth!  Stand firm on His promises. Declare them to your feelings and shout them to your enemies! Obey His directives.  You can't go wrong following His advice.  Listen again to His admonition: "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all” (NIV).

Stand firm, in spite of what you may feel, see, or hear!  Pray right now for the peace and the assurance that you need, so that you will weather the storm and be victorious in the battle. And listen to Jesus' instructions to His followers regarding difficulties in the last days: "he who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:13).  You can stop worrying and stand firm because God's plan will prevail!