WHEN LIFE HURTS GOD IS OUR HELP

Our nation is hurting much like the nation of Judah was in 700 B.C. Isaiah 1:6 From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.

God was judging Judah for her sins. Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

God called to people to repent and change their ways by putting away evil and doing well. Isaiah 1:16-17 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

A SMALL REMNANT

God was on the verge of making Judah like Sodom and Gomorrah except for the fact that there was a small remnant who feared and loved God. Isaiah 1:9 Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.

That remnant experienced the hurts of life along with the nation. But that remnant preserved Judah for another hundred years. Much like the nation of Judah in Isaiah’s day, our nation is suffering. God might easily destroy our nation but for the godly remnant of Christians. It is important that we be a godly remnant.

Our remnant suffers along with the rest of the nation from high gas prices, inflation, high rent, Covid pandemic, etc. Sometimes we struggle to get the products we need to buy, such as baby formula. We also live in a society where there is almost a total lack of morality. Evil is called good, and good is called evil.

ADVERSITIES ARE OPPORTUNITIES

God wants us to take up our cross and follow Jesus. We are to be shining lights in this world. Look for opportunities to be a blessing to others and witness to others of what Christ has done for you.

Esther became queen for such a time as this (Esther 4:14). God is in control. He has his people prepared for times such as we are going through. We must not panic. We have the peace of God and peace of mind no matter the circumstances around us. God can use you to be a blessing to others.

PRACTICAL WISDOM

God does want us to use wisdom for such a time as this. We may need to be more conservative with our spending. We may need to plan our trips to the store to save on milage. We may be eating out less and planning healthy meals at home.

CHURCHES AND PRAYER

Our gospel preaching churches are more important to our country than any political party. I am hopeful for some of the changes that can be made from the political agendas out there, but in the end, it is God who is sovereignly overseeing the governments of this world. It may be good to participate in the political process, but our allegiance must not be to a political party, but to Jesus. Jesus is amid our churches (Revelation 1). This is a time for us to pray individually and corporately.

Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Let’s be that godly remnant that loves and serves God for such a time as this! God is our Hope and Help!

Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.