Our scripture this morning is Isaiah 41:12-14.
You will look in vain for those who tried to conquer you. Those who attack you will come to nothing. For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, “Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. Though you are a lowly worm, O Jacob, don’t be afraid, people of Israel, for I will help you. I am the Lord, your Redeemer. I am the Holy One of Israel.”
Israel had fallen away from faith, and was taken into captivity in Babylon. God was allowing them as a people to remember their condition as slaves in Egypt before He had rescued them. They had forgotten that only by God’s hand and blessing had they been successful. Only renewing their commitment to Him can save them.
God in His mercy was ready to take them back when they returned in repentance. He is waiting for us all today. It seems we too have attributed our success to our own efforts and not the One who created us. We need to remember the lesson Jesus taught us in John 15:5: “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”
God is ready to stand against the evils we face when we put our trust in Him. Doing it on our own is always a losing proposition. Let us go to the Lord, acknowledging our weakness, and accepting His strength and love.
Heavenly Father, we are ashamed of the times we have failed to live as You intend, loving and caring for one another and giving You the glory. Forgive us! Fill us and still us, mend us and send us in Your name to all the world. Amen.
