SEPTEMBER 19, Isaiah 30:15-19

There is a saying, “One with God is a majority”. We might be one against many but in God’s sight, we are the majority. God had told Israel before, “One man of you shall chase a thousand...” ( Joshua 23:10). “And five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight.” (Leviticus 26:8). What encouragement God was giving to His people!

But Judah refused to listen. Judah forsook the Lord and sought help from Egypt instead. Then this blessing was reversed. “One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee...” (Isaiah 30:17). When we refuse to listen to our God, He will work through circumstances in our lives, giving us hardship and difficulties, to bring us back to Himself.

Have you experienced this? Perhaps you have not been close to the Lord. Perhaps you have neglected reading his Word daily. Despite encouragement from your Sunday School teachers and friends, you continue to remain cold towards God. In times like these, He may send you difficulties and trouble to remind you of your weaknesses and to bring you back to Him. He waits patiently for us to return to Him. And when we do, He will not withhold His generous blessings. “And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you” (verse 18) and “he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee” (verse 19).

Let us remain close to God. But if we ever stray, God is ever hopeful that we return to Him. Remember, dear child, God may have to allow tough times in your life to discipline you, as might a loving father disciplining a child he loves when he needs it.

Thought: May we always stay close to Him!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me grace to be obedient to all Your commands. Help me to remain faithful and if I ever stray, remind me Your arms are always wide open for me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.