Isaiah 54:17 “No weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
and this is their vindication from me,”
declares the Lord.

Frankly, some of the assurances in this chapter seem questionable, considering all that has been done to God’s people down through the centuries. That said, there is always the question of perspective. We see at best only in the short term, whereas God sees from eternity past to eternity future. No matter how terrible the immediate trial, it too will pass, as the saying goes. I’m reminded of something Mother Theresa said: “I know the Lord will never give me anything He doesn’t think I can handle, but sometimes I wish He didn’t trust me so much.” The last part of Hebrews 11 also comes to mind, as the writer mentions the horrible circumstances endured by some very faithful people. All that said, all such trials will simply evaporate when we come before our Lord in heaven, if we have indeed been faithful. The devil forges all sorts of weapons against us, and at times the wounds from those can be deep, but in the final analysis they will be as nothing, forgotten in the face of the glory of God that is prepared for us. As Paul said, “our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

I am needing to be reminded of this far more than I would like. That verse keeps popping up every other day or so! I do see good things that are coming from the current circumstances, but it’s hard to keep things in perspective all the time. However, God is faithful. Since today is a 5^th Sunday, our songs are all requests from members, and one we will be singing is Shout for Joy, which quotes this very verse. Yesterday I ended the day feeling quite depressed, tired of how this is dragging out and wanting my wife to be healthy and home. My feelings didn’t change God at all, and they certainly didn’t benefit me. I can see specific ways that God is using this situation, not only for my benefit but potentially for the benefit of many. I tend to learn better when I feel weak! I am to receive this day, and each day as it comes, with gratitude for all that God is going to teach me in it, for what He is going to do in and through me. The devil hates that attitude, which is all the more reason to hold it fast! I am to walk with assurance, knowing that the final outcome of everything will be our blessing and God’s glory.

Father, thank You for this reminder. I certainly needed it! I pray that today would be filled with Your praise, both for me and for Cathy, even though she is in the hospital over an hour away. May we both rest, relax, and rejoice in You, as You have told me You desire for us, so that Your purposes may be fulfilled on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!