God at Our Side

–Michael Chesnut, Ministerial Intern

We are currently studying the Book of Isaiah for United Methodist Men, and its first 39 chapters can be a tough read.

It just feels like over-and-over again Isaiah prophesies these powerful and visceral oracles of destruction for Jerusalem. God’s judgment and wrath seem to leap off every page. Yet, these prophecies of destruction always seem to be coupled with prophecies of how God will restore the people and make them whole. In fact, the further you get along in the book, the more strongly Isaiah emphasizes that no matter what the people have done or how they have failed, God will still not abandon them.

Some of the most powerful images Isaiah gives us of this are found in 40:28-31 and 43:1-2. As members of God’s people, these promises extend to us as well. Thus, when you have a few minutes,

I encourage you to read these verses and meditate on the fact that no matter what has happened or is happening or will happen, and no matter what we have done or how we have failed,

God will not abandon us. He will still lead us, guide us, and protect us.