Have we ever found ourselves in such a desperate situation? It feels suffocating to be aware of all the chaos that leaves us feeling powerless. Yet at the same time, our hearts and minds strive to make sense of it all and confront it with our faith in God. What is He seeking to teach us through these events? Does the mistake I made play a part in what is happening now? Often, we do not find the answers straight away, but as time goes on, God reveals His goodness and love to us.
This is what God seeks to reveal through Isaiah in chapter 43. Israel has indeed suffered for a long time because of their own sins. Yet this never meant that God had forsaken them. Gently, God invites His people not to be afraid or dismayed (v. 1). Now God has brought about His redemption; not even water or fire will stand in Israel’s way. A symbol of unspeakable suffering, yet one that can be easily overcome when with God.
Once again, God calls upon the nations to bear witness and reveal to Israel who the true God is. It is clear that God alone is Lord over the universe. He says, “I am He, and I am He for ever; and there is none that can deliver out of My hand; I have done it, and who can reverse it?” If God wills it, all things are possible. Israel is, as it were, reminded once more of the story of God’s presence during their deliverance from the land of Egypt in verses 14–21. However, the difference is that the deliverance God is now bringing about will be far more magnificent than that past event. Once again, all this stems from God’s initiative and will to save Israel, not because of Israel’s own merits.
It is therefore important for believers throughout the ages to remember the Lord, who has never once forsaken us. Life may not always go as we wish, but God is always present to accompany us. The initiative for salvation always comes from God, including how He restores our lives, which may be in a state of disarray. However, we do have a small part to play in this: to trust Him with all our hearts and not to associate anything with Him. God desires that we rely on Him with all our hearts.
