Isaiah 57:18,19 is amazing!
“I Have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners, creating praise on their lips. Peace, peace, to those who are far and near, says the Lord, and I will heal them.”
These short passage is replete with wonderful promises.
- If you are hurting, “I will heal”
- If you are confused, “I will guide”
- If you feel lost “I will restore”
- If you are lonely “comfort”
- If you are afraid “peace to those who are far and near”
This snippet from scripture illustrates the hope that is found in Christ alone. Our hope is not of the ‘cross your fingers’ kind. It is not even of a ‘ God can/will change the circumstances’ kind. It is a hope in the midst of circumstances. It is a sure and certain hope because it is not based on such transitory things. It is instead fully based on a person. Hope has a name, and that name is Jesus. Circumstances shift and change constantly yet Jesus remains the same “yesterday today and forever!” His promises are “yea and amen,” they are as certain as He is!
In the midst of trial and chaos, I suggest that we look for Him. That we set our hearts upon this one object above all others, that we know Him and his presence. All other sources of relief or order will fail us.
Troubles are as temporary as happiness. Our temporary carnal lives are as grass that withers or flowers that fade. The answer to singer Peggy Lee’s question is an emphatic “No! This is not all there is!” Paul tells us these troubles are not worth comparing to the glory to be revealed in us.
Hope that things will return to normal or hope that violent conflict will cease, may be laudable wishes but that is all they are! Biblical hope is centred on the person of Jesus. Seeking him and his Kingdom is our highest goal. In seeking his Kingdom, we seek his help to live out the ethic of his Kingdom here, while all along looking for him to ultimately bring a lasting and peaceable Kingdom. We are not fatalists but seek to cooperate with Jesus and his purposes, knowing that in these current days we see only ‘in part’ but one day, at his appearing, we will see clearly and know even as we are known.
Our project to change the lights at Threshold continue. We have seen enough donations to start the work but we are looking to God to provide more as we complete ‘phase 1’ of this project. We have several applications out and we are praying for the right future residents.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Hope & Reedemption 