“…If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.’ ” (Isaiah 7:9, ESV)
King Ahaz faced a terrifying world of danger. Hostile powers plotted against Judah. A sense of dread swept over Judah; their hearts shook “as the trees of the forest shake before the wind” (Is 7:2).
Into this fear the Word of the Lord brought good news. This terrifying threat would not be allowed to stand; it would not come to pass (Is 7:7).
Within this consolation, the Lord challenges us today. The Lord tells them that the only place of security is in trusting him. So it remains to this day.
Judah might have preferred worldly assurances: massive armies of their own or at least allies with massive armies. When our own dangers loom, we too can flock to worldly assurances: ample bank accounts, political/cultural allies or even just self-confidence that we ourselves are up to the challenge.
But there is no true hope in the world’s assurances. Armies and allies fail. Finances disappear. Our own strength withers.
There is only One who can bring us true assurance. Only One who never fails. Only One who never fades. Only One whose strength never falls short.
Your Lord alone can be depended on. Your Lord alone can be completely trusted. And don’t misunderstand, there are still actions for you to take. Yet your actions must never be a replacement for trusting the Lord. We trust Him first, and then, in faith, we act.
Today, your challenge is to trust the only One who can be trusted. Don’t let your heart rest in any other Refuge. Don’t let your life depend on any other Rock.
Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ today and he will ensure that you stay standing. This article was originally published at https://www.dayspringreno.com/blog/firm-in-faith on January 12, 2023
Jason Ching (MA, Westminster Seminary California) is a pastor at Dayspring Church in Reno, NV. He is husband to Naomi and father of three.
Note: The views expressed in this article are that of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of other contributors on this site.