Mercies In Disguise…..

I’m reading through Isaiah and came across the story of Hezekiah’s response to the king of Assyria’s threat to destroy Jerusalem (chapter 36-37). The one thing that really stands out is God’s sovereignty. With all the gloom and doom that came along with Assyria’s threats, Hezekiah took it to the Lord in prayer. Assyria’s belief in their own power didn’t compare with God’s sovereignty. The Jews could either believe the Assyrians and be terrified, or they could believe God, and trust Him to save them. How does this apply to our world today? With the current times (Sept 2020 as of this writing), do we not face the same type of conflict? Racial equality being pushed out with hatred, trying to end hatred. Violence against our law enforcement staff. Two political parties that diametrically oppose each other, and not withholding any respect in “one-upping” the other at any cost. Our votes determining many moral/immoral issues. Not to mention all the COVID-19 pandemic stuff. It’s easy to get depressed, or even terrified during these times. But for believers we have the Holy Spirit. He calms our fears and eases the burdens of our feelings. Knowing God is in control, and that He wants what’s best for us, I can honestly take comfort knowing there is security in God’s sovereign reign. I can dismiss all of the selfish, “woe is me” thoughts that rage through my mind. I can set aside all the feelings of “the world sucks right now”, and look up to God in Heaven, believing He’s got my back. His ultimate goal is to restore peace among the chaos. All that’s bad in this world can be used for good. It can rescue many from the chains of despair, once they realize what’s really happening. As Laura Story sings in her song “Blessings”, “what if my greatest disappointments, or the aching of this life, is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy. What if trials of this life, the rain, the storms, the hardest nights, are Your mercies in disguise”. God’s sovereignty extends far beyond our simple thoughts. It’s not until we experience Him personally that this comfort only He can give, slowly drowns out all the noise the world has to offer to gain our attention. Ask God today to to empower you with His Spirit, and let the noise of the world vying for your attention fade away in comparison to His Grace.

5 After King Hezekiah’s officials delivered the king’s message to Isaiah, 6 the prophet replied, “Say to your master, ‘This is what the Lord says: Do not be disturbed by this blasphemous speech against Me from the Assyrian king’s messengers. 7 Listen! I Myself will move against him, and the king will receive a message that he is needed at home. So he will return to his land, where I will have him killed with a sword.’ ” Isaiah 37:5-7

26 “But have you not heard?I decided this long ago.Long ago I planned it,and now I am making it happen.I planned for you to crush fortified citiesinto heaps of rubble.27 That is why their people have so little powerand are so frightened and confused.They are as weak as grass,as easily trampled as tender green shoots.They are like grass sprouting on a housetop,scorched before it can grow lush and tall. 28 “But I know you well–where you stayand when you come and go.I know the way you have raged against Me.29 And because of your raging against Meand your arrogance, which I have heard for Myself,I will put My hook in your noseand My bit in your mouth.I will make you returnby the same road on which you came.” Isaiah 37:26-29

Read ch 36-37 to get full picture