listen to me, you who pursue righteousness
you who seek the Lord
look to the rock from which you were hewn
and to the quarry from which you were dug
[isaiah 51:1]
in the thick of struggle and challenge, it can be difficult to see the hand of God. the israelites had a pattern of focusing on their current situation instead of what he had done. they were discouraged. in this verse isaiah tells them to look at their past, at God’s promise to abraham and sarah. the gift of isaac was a miracle in itself for two people who were so advanced in age. this miracle is described as being a rock, which was being hewn (chiseled). who else but God could bring life out of nothing? out of the impossible?
this should bring us to worship! when we see what the Lord has done, what he has promised, we start to build gratitude. we gain a better appreciation of where he has us. we start to trust that even though we don’t know why we’re here at this moment, we can have faith in the sovereignty of the father!
and we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. [romans 8:28]
in difficult moments of waiting, searching, struggling, discouragement, or seeking the Lord, look at how he’s carved you. look at how Jesus has saved you; how you are called according to his purpose. look to his grace for encouragement. it may look different than we desire, but it will be for our good.
spend the next few minutes to examine what God has done in your heart. spend some time praying and thanking him for what he has already accomplished and all he has planned for you!
~ joe lorsung