God has not forgotten...

I love God. He is not random or chaotic but rather is a God of order and vision. He has had a plan for you from the very beginning of time and He is a promise keeper. Naturally, we have thrown our own wrenches and curveballs into the mix but there is an expected end and purpose to your life.  This week, I have talked to quite a few people that have been struggling with waiting for that purpose to play out. You know when you are facing health problems or emotional challenges, even stressful relationships; you start to wonder “Is this really what God had planned for my life?” Sometimes frustration sets in or possibly bitterness and anger and it’s a struggle to just move forward. Has anyone been there? Today, I want to remind you that God has not forgotten.

I’ve been reading and studying in the book of Isaiah this week. As an English major, I love Isaiah because of its often beautiful language and structure but it challenges me for some of the same reasons! The early chapters focus on foretelling the condemnation of Judah for various sins with promises of redemption. The later chapters speak of forgiveness and restoration through the coming Messiah. I found myself on Tuesday night in chapter 62 and it has stayed with me. It is Isaiah’s prayer for Jerusalem but I think it speaks volumes to our stories.  If you go back to chapter 61, a very familiar passage, Isaiah is showing us the good news of salvation! So as we move into 62, I believe he wants the church to claim this new day of salvation and restoration and celebrate it!

When we are in the midst of a circumstance, we often get caught in the moment. It’s difficult to see beyond the fence of your struggle but I love how God uses Isaiah to shine forth restoration after the hard place. “Foreign countries will see your righteousness, and world leaders your glory. You'll get a brand-new name straight from the mouth of God. You'll be a stunning crown in the palm of God's hand, a jeweled gold cup held high in the hand of your God. No more will anyone call you Rejected, and your country will no more be called Ruined. You'll be called Hephzibah (My Delight), and your land Beulah (Married), Because God delights in you and your land will be like a wedding celebration. For as a young man marries his virgin bride, so your builder marries you, And as a bridegroom is happy in his bride, so your God is happy with you.” (Is. 62: 3-5 MSG) Do you see your “after this” in this word? Your future will be greater. Look toward your new name! Look toward your spirit man being restored and rebuilt! If you are in a place where you feel frustrated, beat down, and stuck, you don’t have to stay there! God wants so much more for you.

“Walk out of the gates. Get going! Get the road ready for the people. Build the highway. Get at it! Clear the debris, hoist high a flag, a signal to all peoples! Yes! God has broadcast to all the world: “Tell daughter Zion, ‘Look! Your Savior comes, Ready to do what he said he’d do, prepared to complete what he promised.’” Zion will be called new names: Holy People, God-Redeemed, Sought-Out, City-Not-Forsaken.” (Is. 62: 10-12 MSG)  It’s time to get unstuck! God has not forgotten you or your struggle. He wants the very best for you but you have to grab hold of it! I know it’s hard. I’ve said this before but sometimes we get so comfortable with our pain that we make it our friend. We nurture it and encourage it. We look for people that will allow us to hold on to it. And before we know it, we are dying.

No more! “The Lord has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: “Never again will I give your grain as food for your enemies, and never again will foreigners drink the new wine for which you have toiled; but those who harvest it will eat it and praise the Lord, and those who gather the grapes will drink it in the courts of my sanctuary.” (Is. 62: 8-9 NIV) God has promised that you won’t lose all that you have worked for to the enemy. You will have peace and be able to enjoy it. But here’s the key. Believe God. Get it down in your soul that He PROMISED to never leave your or forsake you. Yes, there will be hard times but He is invested in you and has been since before you were in your mother’s womb! He has not and will not forget you. You have a new name! Hello, REDEEMED, SOUGHT OUT, and NOT FORSAKEN! Wear it well…

AMEN!