We contemplate an out. We want to
win the lottery, discover the cure, beat our opposition either verbally, physically
or competitively, throw in the towel, escape to a deserted island in the
tropics or a cabin in the woods. We consider comprising our principles just to
make it fair or get even, just this once.
Faced with invading forces and contemplating an alliance
with an even worse enemy, Ahaz was met by Isaiah as he inspected the water
source in preparation for war. Isaiah proclaimed to him, “Be careful, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint
because of… (these enemies).” (Isaiah
7:4)
Be careful – Consider your contemplated path and the consequences
of that decision. Observe God’s history in taking care of you.
Be quiet – Calm
yourself. While out of your control, it is not out of God’s control.
Do not fear – Fear reflects a
doubt in the One who completely loved you and continues to love you well.
Do not let your heart be faint because of…..
(you fill in the blank) - Our
weariness and faint heart comes from the conflict of our own inadequacies and
struggles to resolve the problem. We contemplate one set of actions only to see
their imminent failure or impossibility and bounce to our next solution, only
to discover the same results. Our only
solution is to throw ourselves on the goodness of God and His plan and
provision for us.
…thus says the Lord
GOD: “‘It shall not stand, and it shall not come to pass….If you are not firm
in faith, you will not be firm at all.’” (Isaiah 7:9)
