Life presents us with many challenges, but thankfully encouragement can be found at our fingertips. Reading the Bible might not change circumstances in the moment, but our strength can be renewed, and our attitude can be adjusted while we walk through our trials.
Isaiah 54:17 is one of my go-to verses, that sets me on the right track.
“No weapon that is formed against you will prevail, and you will condemn every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the Lord’s servants, and their righteousness is of me, says the Lord.”
God made a powerful declaration and promise here. He is reminding us that His people are of His might and sovereignty, as well as His abiding love for them. This really echoes an assurance the Lord gave the young nation of Israel. “I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose those who oppose you” (Exodus 23:22).
Though it evokes images from an older age, this verse has meaning for us today in our struggles, whether small or large.
Simply put, God is stating that anyone who is seeking to do evil against His people will fail. Even though for a time it may seem that we are defeated, God assures us the victory.
God’s Word doesn’t promise His people a life free of problems. In fact from the very beginning, we will be dealt with a harsh journey, just as the Israelites did. No matter the journey through the desert, and the enemies we will encounter that want to destroy us, God will remain faithful to care for us.
Jesus stated plainly that “In this world you will have trouble, (John 16:33) and each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). But He also added reassurances that God is near and would be active in His children’s lives.
The truth is that everyone must handle all sorts of problems. And sometimes we find ourselves at odds with other people for one reason or another. Paul addressed the battles as “spiritual warfare.”
“ For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” -Ephesians 6:12
But no matter what comes against us, seen or unseen, we can be able to stand when we lean into God’s grace.
From Pity to Praise 