Isaiah 7:9 “‘If you do not stand firm in your faith,
you will not stand at all.'”

Isaiah 7 is most famous for the prophecy of Immanuel in verse 14, but the the prophecy as a whole is much longer, going for most of the chapter, and probably those hearing it at the time didn’t pay much attention to the “Immanuel” business. This statement, however, may well have grabbed their attention, and it applies for all the ages. Paul points out that God has given each of us a measure of faith, (Romans 12:3) but it is up to us to stand in the faith we have been given and apply it to our circumstances. I think everyone has experienced times of failure in this area, not living up to the faith they already have and suffering badly for it. That’s always tragic. Sometimes we are amazed at the level of faith we see in some people, but they didn’t get there all at once, they got there by applying the faith they had at the moment, and God grew and increased their faith. The devil tries to convince us that our faith isn’t up to the task, whatever the task might be. That could be true, if you’re looking at tomorrow’s task, but God has already given you enough faith for today’s task, and if you will exercise it, you will discover that by tomorrow, it is sufficient for tomorrow’s task as well. However, as Isaiah points out here, if we don’t stand in the faith we have already been given we will cut and run, refusing the growth and extra supply of faith that God offers us. God never picks on us, but He constantly gives us opportunities for growth, in faith, holiness, and everything else good. If we will walk in trusting obedience, we will advance beyond anything we – or anyone else, for that matter – would have thought we were capable of.

I will freely confess to not enjoying some of the opportunities for growth the Lord gives me, but I am grateful for the results. (Hebrews 12:11) I have learned the truth of this statement by Isaiah the hard way, and I have also learned the converse: if I do stand in the faith I have been given, I will stand for eternity, not because of my own strength but because of the One in whom I believe. Paul’s statement in 2 Timothy 1:12 is the best security anyone could ask for: “I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” Challenges to faith are daily, even constant, but God supplies what is necessary, even when it might not feel like it at the moment. I am to rest in peace in Him, walking in faithful obedience, and leaving the results up to Him.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for all You allow me to go through, whatever it feels like at the moment. Help me not drop the ball out of unbelief but walk tall and strong as You enable me, so that Your purposes may be accomplished in and through me on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!