Crisis – Rough but Rewarding

Isaiah 42:18-25 “Hear, you deaf: look you blind, and see! Who is blind but my servant and deaf like the messenger I send?  Who is blind like the one committed to me, blind like the servant of the Lord?  You have seen many things, but paid no attention:  you’re ears are open but you hear nothing.” It pleased the Lord for the sake of His righteousness to make his law great and glorious. But this is a people plundered and looted, all of them trapped in pits or hidden away in prisons.  They have become plunder, with no one to rescue them; they have been made loot, with no one to say, “Send them back.” Which of you will listen to this or pay close attention in time to come?Who handed Jacob over to become loot, and Israel to the plunderers?  Was it not the Lord, against whom we have sinned?  For they would not follow his ways; they did not obey his law. So he poured out on them his burning anger, the violence of war.  It enveloped them in flames, yet they did not understand; it consumed them, but they did not take it to heart. 

Isaiah 43:1-3 “But now, this is what the Lord says – he who created you.  O Jacob, he has formed you” “O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you. “I have called you by name; you are mine.” “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you: and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”  “When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” “For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. 

Central Truth:   A crisis is a time for us to act like we believe what we say we believe! 

Application:1.  Remember that God’s people do not face crisis alone, we have divine help.   

2 Kings, 6:15-17 “When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” The servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

2. Remember to keep your eyes on God because things might get worse before they get better.

3. Remember what God has already done for us. 

Rom 8:28 “And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”