A lot has changed in a week, but not the changes that we had hoped for. Our daily lives have been reconfigured. There are still a lot of unknowns. But, here is the good news: there is certainty in our uncertain times.
(Photo credit Andrew Donald-Davis)
God does not change and neither do His promises. I am thankful the promises in this verse are just as true today as when Isaiah recorded them.
‘Do not fear (anything), for I am with you;
Do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you;
I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand (a hand of justice, of
power, of victory, of salvation).’ Isaiah 41:10 (AMP)
These are good truths to grab on to.
I particularly like this translation because of the certainty of God’s promises. Be assured I will help you and, I will certainly take hold of you.
You might be wondering what this looks like in real life. Or if it’s even possible.
Here’s how I experienced it.
God’s Certainty in My Uncertain Time.
The movers had left, their truck neatly packed with our possessions. I had just finished giving a tour of our empty house, to-do list completed, to John (who had executed many of the projects), and his wife Pamela. Now we stood in the chilly garage.
Just moments before I been on high alert – energized by adrenaline. But now, I was so weary I could hardly stand up. Let alone take the next step.
And yet, fear pulsed behind the exhaustion. Have you ever experienced this, a combination of fatigue and fear?
Maybe you are experiencing this now as we walk through the pandemic.
My fears were focused on different uncertainties that day. Would I be able to drive the 1,000 miles safely and arrive in time to meet my husband for the closing on the new house? Would the sale of this house be completed without difficulty?
A calm voice interrupted my inner dialogue before I could descend into full-blown panic.
“Can I pray for you?”, Pamela asked.
Although surprised by the request from someone who had known me for only 15 minutes, I readily agreed. While I cannot remember the exact words, I know they came boldly from a heart deeply connected to Jesus.
Renewed and Restored
As the prayer-filled the garage, I gradually felt renewed, stronger, and hopeful.
I felt like I had been helped up. Peace replaced the fear that had coursed through my body.
There was no doubt in my mind that not only would I be able to take the next step, that I would arrive safely in Alabama. And that I would be led by God. (and not get dangerously lost)
I relaxed.
Pamela’s step of faith, to offer to pray for someone that she didn’t know, made an impact on my life that I’m unlikely to forget.
It was not magic, and it was not Pamela’s power. It was God answering the prayer of 3 people in a garage on a cold February night in Nebraska.
As John and I listened intently and agreed with her words, I experienced the promises of Isaiah 41:10.
I experienced the certainty of God’s unchanging promises in my uncertain time. The same can be true in our situation today.
May you experience such an unexpected exchange of peace for fear. And as you embrace the peace you receive; may your strength be renewed and may you be filled with hope.
Do you need prayer? Just let me know in the comments below. I would be honored to pray for you.