Can We Trust the Gospels?

Recent Posts


Past Posts Archived by Date


Search this site


Topics


Search this site


Syndication

« A Texas Surprise | Home | The Church as the Body of Christ: Introduction »

Sunday Inspiration from The High Calling

By Mark D. Roberts | Sunday, October 12, 2008

Charging Ahead of God

READ Isaiah 30:1-18

 This is what the Sovereign LORD,
the Holy One of Israel, says:
“Only in returning to me
and resting in me will you be saved.
In quietness and confidence is your strength.
But you would have none of it.”

Isaiah 30:15

The people of Israel were understandably frightened as the nation of Assyria threatened. Yet God has promised to protect them if they would rely on him. Nevertheless, Israel’s leaders decided to turn to Egypt as an ally, contrary to God’s will. They just couldn’t wait on the Lord or trust him. In response, the Lord rebuked Israel:

“Only in returning to me
and resting in me will you be saved.
In quietness and confidence is your strength.
But you would have none of it.”

If Israel would only turn away from their sin and turn to God, if Israel would only trust in him and rest in his promises, then the nation would be saved. But, as the Lord says, “you would have none of it.”

I can relate to Israel. Can you? Sometimes it is hard to trust in the Lord, to wait patiently. This is especially tough when it seems as if God is dawdling. My temptation is to charge ahead of him, to make things happen on my timetable. And, at times, I give in to this temptation.

Today I’m reminded that what was once true for Israel is still true for me today. I will be saved from the threats in my life only as I turn to God and rest in him. My strength comes, not from me, but from being quiet and trusting the Lord.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Have you found that it’s hard to wait upon the Lord? Do you ever charge ahead of God? What helps you to trust God and be patient?

PRAYER: Dear Lord, how I need to hear this word today, and each day. My salvation comes from you and you alone. You will deliver me as I turn to you. You will take care of me as I rest in you.

Help me, Lord, to quiet my heart enough to receive your peace. May I trust in you more fully today, so that I might receive your strength.

All praise be to you, gracious God, my Savior, my Deliverer, my Safety, my Strength! Amen.

Daily Reflections from The High Calling.org

This devotional comes from The High Calling of Our Daily Work (www.thehighcalling.org). You can read my Daily Reflections there, or sign up to have them sent to your email inbox each day. This website contains lots of encouragement for people who are trying to live out their faith in the workplace.

high calling daily reflection

Topics: Sunday Inspiration |

One Response to “Sunday Inspiration from The High Calling

  1. J. Falconer Says:
    October 12th, 2008 at 6:50 pm

    Rev. Roberts, Thank you so much for today’s devotion. Patience is a virtue & probably one of the most difficult! Glad yesterday’s Texas post received some favorable replies!! Wonder why not anyone defended California too much ?? Here’s wishing your family & you a wonderful week & early holiday & Christmas greetings & Blessings. Imagine the children are very excited about upcoming Christmas holidays. Prayers & well wishes J

Comments

Thanks for your willingness to make a comment. Note: I do not moderate comments before they are posted, though they are automatically screened for profanities, spam, etc., and sometimes the screening program holds comments for moderation even though they're not offensive. I encourage open dialogue and serious disagreement, and am always willing to learn from my mistakes. I will not delete comments unless they are extraordinarily rude or irrelevant to the topic at hand. You do need to login in order to make a comment, because this cuts down on spam. You are free to use a nickname if you wish. Finally, I will eventually read all comments, but I don't have the time to respond to them on a consistent basis because I've got a few other demands on my time, like my "day job," my family, sleep, etc.

You must be logged in to post a comment.