My life was smooth sailing for the first 20 years or so. Things in life just seemed to work for me. I had decided to follow Christ in my teenage years. I had all the usual struggles of a teen but really leaned in to following Jesus as best I could. Life was good and drama-free. I didn't have much to worry about and certainly had no difficult crises to face.
Then came my 20s. First, my brother passed away unexpectedly at age 26. Then, nearly a year ago, a good friend and lighting team member at our church lost his life in an accident. More recently, my wife and I learned we were going to have trouble having children; in fact, it may be impossible.
More than likely your life was not like mine (with two decades of smooth sailing), and you have walked through numerous difficult times in life.
Think about the crises you have faced in your personal life, marriage and friendships--or on your technical team.
In Isaiah 7, Ahaz, King of Judah, was in the middle of a major crisis. He had just learned that the King of Syria and the King of Israel had come up to Jerusalem to wage war against him and the people of Jerusalem. Verse 2 says “…the heart of Ahaz and the heart of his people shook as the trees of the forest shake before the wind.” Have you experienced that kind of fear or trouble at some point in your life?
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
1 Peter 5:10
As far as I can tell, the prophet Isaiah's first task was to go to Ahaz and relay to him the words of the Lord. “Be careful, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint because of these two smoldering stumps of firebrands…thus says the Lord God: 'It shall not stand and it shall not come to pass.'"
Now, you might put yourself in Ahaz' shoes and think, “That's easier said than done.” However, we should take note to be careful with those kinds of thoughts when God is stating promises. God first gives instruction on how to respond, followed by the promise “it shall not come to pass.” God then ends this chapter by stating:
“If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.”
It's a magnificent play on words to communicate a great truth. In other words, the root of being firm in life is to be firm in your faith. Be firm in believing God. Be firm and unbending in knowing and believing His promises and His truth. Being steadfast and believing in faith makes us firm people in life.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:6-11
Ask yourself:
1. Do I really believe Jesus is who he says he is? Is my faith firm on this point? Read Ephesians 1:7-14
2. Do I believe I am who Jesus says I am? Read Ephesians 2:4-9
3. Does my life reflect that? Read Ephesians 4:17-32
My prayer for us, as children of God, is that we would be firm and unbending in our faith towards God as we face various crises, suffering, and other difficult situations in our lives.
