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How Isaiah Displays the Sovereign Grace of God in the Most Breathtaking Way

November 7, 2026 Effie Barba Leave a comment

Yesterday I flew back to Mexico after two wonderful weeks with my son in Florida. It was a very busy two weeks. The first week full of Doctor’s Visits and even Monday was the endoscopic ultrasound. I was amazed by God’s Amazing Grace toward me. As I thought of all the years. I met with friends which was such a blessing for me. How wonderful that time was. God’s Grace is a Sovereign Grace, meaning He is Sovereign and Just in His Graciousness and Love. Today, I await the arrival of my other son and one of my granddaughters. How wondrous God has been to me through all my years. Not because I did anything to deserve it; but, rather because He chose me to shower His blessings upon.

As I sit here, I do not know what tomorrow brings. But I am confident in who holds tomorrow. My body aches with aging pains. My “gut” is always an issue with its complex history of problems. Yet, all is stable and as God plans with His Sovereign Grace pursuing it all. Yesterday on the plane I thought of watching some mindless movie. But instead I chose to stay on internet through the plane service and watched a documentary/movie on the life of John Newton. His life was filled with sorrow, suffering, loss, and pain. He was a part of receiving and giving great cruelty. God used it all to provide Him with songs, sermons, and faith to change generations of people. Playing a major role in the abolishment of slavery in England. He left behind a legacy with His Song “Amazing Grace”.

What Amazing Sovereign Grace Doth God Display on Humanity

That is where we arrive in Isaiah 25. After chapters of explaining the reason for judgement on this earth to all nations, including a telescopic view of tribulation; now, is Sovereign Grace. Not that humanity deserves it. They (We) have proven that. How could I ever stand before God and proclaim or demand anything but Mercy. His Holiness and Righteousness exceeds anything I could imagine. The more I live with me, the more I recognize my need for His Sovereign Grace. A Grace that sees all, knows all, and provides exactly what is necessary to transform this heart of mine.

O Lord, You are my God.

I will exalt You,

I will praise Your name,

For You have done wonderful things;

Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

For You have made a city a ruin,

A fortified city a ruin,

A palace of foreigners to be a city no more;

It will never be rebuilt.

Therefore the strong people will glorify You;

The city of the terrible nations will fear You.

For You have been a strength to the poor,

A strength to the needy in his distress,

A refuge from the storm,

A shade from the heat;

For the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.

You will reduce the noise of aliens,

As heat in a dry place;

As heat in the shadow of a cloud,

The song of the terrible ones will be diminished.

Isaiah 25: 1-5NKJV

Plans formed of old, faithful and sure. Amid the destruction, the trials, and the turmoil God uses for salvation. The massive trials in my life are what has fortified my faith. Seems the opposite, but that is Sovereign Grace. A Grace that does not leave me in the state I was found; but is willing to do whatever it takes to transforms me. And who knows all the potential outcomes, choosing the best for me.

Additionally, evil must be dealt with as it never can be tamed. It grows like an aggressive cancer once seeded. That is where Grace must be dispensed with Sovereignty and Omniscience. Unlike the Grace I so mistakenly provide at times.

How Does Understanding Sovereign Grace Transform our Hearts

When we understand that God’s Grace is more than just Grace, it is based on His wisdom not ours. His omnipotence, Absolute Justice, and His Perfect Rigteousness are a part of His Grace. Therefore we can rest peacefully assured that He has this covered completely.

And in this mountain

The Lord of hosts will make for all people

A feast of choice pieces,

A feast of wines on the lees,

Of fat things full of marrow,

Of well-refined wines on the lees.

And He will destroy on this mountain

The surface of the covering cast over all people,

And the veil that is spread over all nations.

He will swallow up death forever,

And the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces;

The rebuke of His people

He will take away from all the earth;

For the Lord has spoken.

Isaiah 25:6-8 NKJV

The veil is broken. That was the finished work of Christ on the Cross. The veil is broken, so that without fear we can come before the throne of God unafraid. Also, we can be assured that all that comes into our lives is part of the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes He even allows us to fail, like Peter and David, knowing that is what is needed to let go of selfish pride and ambitions.

Would any other journey for me have led to my knowing His steadfast Joy? A joy that cannot be shaken by the events of this world—steady, underlying joy. No fear, no anxiety, and no worry. How? Remembering all the past. Having written it in poems, I can now recall them in song. What amazing Sovereign Grace.

when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

Never, ever Forget

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. Romans 8:28-30 NKJV

On this mountain, the veil was removed off all nations. The mystery revealed, although always told before. Yet, no one wanted to know. Blinded by self and ambitions.

And it will be said in that day:

“Behold, this is our God;

We have waited for Him, and He will save us.

This is the Lord;

We have waited for Him;

We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”

Isaiah 25: 9 NKJV

He came to pay for our salvation. To pay the price of our redemption. And He will come again to take us to be with Him. That is the rapture. Many who do not believe in the pretribulation rapture call it the “secret rapture” we believe. But it no where says it is “secret”. It is clearly presented throughout. However, will all on earth believe suddenly in Christ. No! We know at least 120,000 Jews will be commissioned. They are saved after the rapture; however, we are not told how. Do they see the rapture and believe? How many others will as well. Others are already prepared for a thousand rabbit-holed conspiracy theories to develop and believe. Aliens, AI, War, disasters, etc. After all, everyone saw Charlie Kirk shot. Yet, how many believe the conspiracies and distrust what their eyes saw.

Sovereign Grace Covers Us with An Incomprehensible Grace.

For on this mountain the hand of the Lord will rest,

And Moab shall be trampled down under Him,

As straw is trampled down for the refuse heap.

And He will spread out His hands in their midst

As a swimmer reaches out to swim,

And He will bring down their pride

Together with the trickery of their hands.

The fortress of the high fort of your walls

He will bring down, lay low,

And bring to the ground, down to the dust.

Isaiah 25: 10-12 NKJV

Notice the blend here between near and far prophecy as is common. Most of Isaiah chapter 25 has been distant prophecy of the Messiah coming. However, here is both near and far referring to the Moabites. God always is dealing with mankind’s pride.

Sovereign Grace will Make an End to Evil and Establish a New Jerusalem and New Earth

In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah:

“We have a strong city;

God will appoint salvation for walls and bulwarks.

Open the gates,

That the righteous nation which keeps the truth may enter in.

You will keep him in perfect peace,

Whose mind is stayed on You,

Because he trusts in You.

Trust in the Lord forever,

For in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.

For He brings down those who dwell on high,

The lofty city;

He lays it low,

He lays it low to the ground,

He brings it down to the dust.

The foot shall tread it down—

The feet of the poor

And the steps of the needy.”

Isaiah 26:1-6

Because we know the future, we have perfect peace. That is, if we keep our minds steady on Him. He is the one in whom we may trust forever. Every prophecy of old have either been fulfilled or awaiting fulfillment. His Sovereign Grace has revealed His trustworthiness in His Promises. Therefore, we have nothing to worry about. He will accomplish all He has planned in our life and our eternity. No doubts and no worries.

Therefore, Because of Sovereign Grace Live This Truth

The way of the just is uprightness;

O Most Upright,

You weigh the path of the just.

Yes, in the way of Your judgments,

O Lord, we have waited for You;

The desire of our soul is for Your name

And for the remembrance of You.

With my soul I have desired You in the night,

Yes, by my spirit within me I will seek You early;

For when Your judgments are in the earth,

The inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

Isaiah 26:7-9 NKJV

We are to study, seek Him early and diligently in prayer. Not from duty or obligation, but out of love. Falling in love with Him and His word fresh each morning. Longing to learn more of Him. Hearts on fire for Him, desiring Him morning and evening.

Sovereign Grace Shown Even to the Wicked

Let grace be shown to the wicked,

Yet he will not learn righteousness;

In the land of uprightness he will deal unjustly,

And will not behold the majesty of the Lord.

Lord, when Your hand is lifted up,

they will not see.

But they will see and be ashamed

For their envy of people;

Yes, the fire of Your enemies shall devour them.

Isaiah 26:10-11 NKJV

This is the age we are in. Every day that humanity lives in this time is an act of Grace. If you have food to eat, a roof over your head, and breath in your lungs you have been highly blessed. Beyond that, everything including love, family, work, cars, etc are abounding blessings given by God. A spring breeze, sunshine, planets orbiting as designed, flowers, birds, pets, and everything exist and consist in Jesus Christ. Still, despite all this grace poured out, they deny Him. That is why Sovereign Grace matters as it will cause an end to evil one day. Justice and Righteousness demands it. As humanity spirals downward into self-destructive actions out of pride and greed.

Sovereign Grace To Protect The Remnant of Believers Then and Now and Future

Lord, You will establish peace for us,

For You have also done all our works in us.

O Lord our God, masters besides You

Have had dominion over us;

But by You only we make mention of Your name.

They are dead, they will not live;

They are deceased, they will not rise.

Therefore You have punished and destroyed them,

And made all their memory to perish.

You have increased the nation, O Lord,

You have increased the nation;

You are glorified;

You have expanded all the borders of the land.

Isaiah 26: 12-15 NKJV

Some Cry for Sovereign Grace, as the world Turns Darker Each Day

Lord, in trouble they have visited You,

They poured out a prayer when Your chastening was upon them.

As a woman with child

Is in pain and cries out in her pangs,

When she draws near the time of her delivery,

So have we been in Your sight, O Lord.

We have been with child, we have been in pain;

We have, as it were, brought forth wind;

We have not accomplished any deliverance in the earth,

Nor have the inhabitants of the world fallen.

Isaiah 26: 16-18 NKJV

The labor pangs of this earth have grown rapid and heavy. We cry out for its deliverance. Even those who do not believe, cry for deliverance. But there will come a day.

Recall the Resurrection as part of God’s Sovereign Grace

Your dead shall live;

Together with my dead body they shall arise.

Awake and sing, you who dwell in dust;

For your dew is like the dew of herbs,

And the earth shall cast out the dead.

Isaiah 26: 19 NKJV

Isaiah foretold in this verse not only the death but the resurrection of Christ. But the leaders of His day refused to see it. But one day all will bow. For now let this be your comfort.

For now we are to keep working with diligence. Time is nearing the end.. But then during the tribulation believers will need to hide. Because of that Isaiah ends chapter 26 with this verse.

Come, my people, enter your chambers,

And shut your doors behind you;

Hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment,

Until the indignation is past.

For behold, the Lord comes out of His place

To punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity;

The earth will also disclose her blood,

And will no more cover her slain.

Concluding Thoughts

For Today, rest in the Sovereign Grace of God. Pick up your Sword (the word of God) and battle on until He comes. Spread the gospel where ever you go.

And a Song I just Finished.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. I urge you to seek Him today.
For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Check out my other website about the inspiration behind each song at Effie Darlene Barba, Songwriter and Poet

God Gave Isaiah Multiple Visions into the Far Future. Which Specifics?

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2026

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. That is except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR. Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

¹ J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Common English Bible (CEB)

Photo taken by Effie Darlene Barba

Blog

God Gave Isaiah Multiple Visions into the Far Future. Which Specifics?

October 31, 2026 Effie Barba Leave a comment

The Prophetic Visions God Gave Isaiah include multiple Visions into the far future. These included very large number of prophesies concerning Jesus Christ. Well, everything about the world, past and future are about Jesus Christ. Particularly, Isaiah was given the vision of what was coming in about 100 to 150 years. These came true adding validity to the remaining prophecies.

We also see prophecies about the judgement of specific nations due to their evil. Additionally, we see prophecies about the Messiah. His birth is foretold. Also, His death and resurrection are foretold. Beyond, that we are told about the Millennial Reign of Christ. But did you ever consider the inclusion of the tribulation as well? Well that is what we will see today. First, we will complete chapter 23 concerning Tyre. Then we will jump into a telescopic view of the tribulation in chapter 24.

The Fate of Tyre Foretold

The burden against Tyre.

Wail, you ships of Tarshish!

For it is laid waste,

So that there is no house, no harbor;

From the land of Cyprus it is revealed to them.

Be still, you inhabitants of the coastland,

You merchants of Sidon,

Whom those who cross the sea have filled.

And on great waters the grain of Shihor,

The harvest of the River, is her revenue;

And she is a marketplace for the nations.

Be ashamed, O Sidon;

For the sea has spoken,

The strength of the sea, saying,

“I do not labor, nor bring forth children;

Neither do I rear young men,

Nor bring up virgins.”

When the report reaches Egypt,

They also will be in agony at the report of Tyre.

Isaiah 23:1-5 NKJV

Tyre was an Island just off the coastland. It is in modern day Lebanon. That Island was one of the wealthiest seaports of its time, bringing ships of goods from Tarshish. Its rocky island position made it well protected as well. Thus this begins with wail, “oh ships of Tarshish”. Why? Because their ships could not harbor at Tyre.

Cross over to Tarshish;

Wail, you inhabitants of the coastland!

Is this your joyous city,

Whose antiquity is from ancient days,

Whose feet carried her far off to dwell?

Who has taken this counsel against Tyre, the crowning city,

Whose merchants are princes,

Whose traders are the honorable of the earth?

The Lord of hosts has purposed it,

To bring to dishonor the pride of all glory,

To bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth.

Isaiah 23: 6-9 NKJV

Why would God allow this? Tyre had been allies of King Solomon. Well, the key is found here. To bring to dishonor the pride of all glory. Pride is an awful thing. It is putting oneself above God and not giving Him the Glory. Pride must be broken down for God to use a person or a nation.

Their Fate Is Certain, If They Do Not Repent

Overflow through your land like the River,

O daughter of Tarshish;

There is no more strength.

He stretched out His hand over the sea,

He shook the kingdoms;

The Lord has given a commandment against Canaan

To destroy its strongholds.

And He said, “You will rejoice no more,

O you oppressed virgin daughter of Sidon.

Arise, cross over to Cyprus;

There also you will have no rest.”

Behold, the land of the Chaldeans,

This people which was not;

Assyria founded it for wild beasts of the desert.

They set up its towers,

They raised up its palaces,

And brought it to ruin.

Wail, you ships of Tarshish!

For your strength is laid waste.

Isaiah 23:10-14

The strength of Tyre lay within their position as an Island as well as their wealth from trade. Thinking themselves invincible, God says, “Look across the harbor to the land and take note.” Babylon was destroyed by Assyria’s King Sennacherib. “So, you think yourselves exempt?” Not a chance. It will be Babylon that takes seize of Tyre after King Nebuchadnezzar overtakes Assyria. This being at least 150 years into the future at the time of the prophecy.

Multiple Visions into the Far Future proven by Nearer Ones

Now it shall come to pass in that day that Tyre will be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king. At the end of seventy years it will happen to Tyre as in the song of the harlot:

“Take a harp, go about the city,

You forgotten harlot;

Make sweet melody, sing many songs,

That you may be remembered.”

And it shall be, at the end of seventy years, that the Lord will deal with Tyre. She will return to her hire, and commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world on the face of the earth. Her gain and her pay will be set apart for the Lord; it will not be treasured nor laid up, for her gain will be for those who dwell before the Lord, to eat sufficiently, and for fine clothing. Isaiah 23: 15-18 NKJV

The 70 years of the Kingdom in which Babylon held the Jews captive, so was Tyre. At the end of this empire, Cyrus released the Jews and Tyre from their slavery. They did remain subjects, but their prosperity returned. Furthermore, they helped the Jews rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.

They (the Children of Israel) also gave money to the masons and the carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre to bring cedar logs from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa, according to the permission which they had from Cyrus king of Persia. Ezra 3:7 NKJV

Therefore, the predictions for Tyre were fulfilled. All were able to see this. Thus, they could and we can trust God’s wisdom. The prophecies in Isaiah 24 about the tribulation are also certain to be fulfilled.

Multiple Visions in the Far Future

Behold, the Lord makes the earth empty and makes it waste,

Distorts its surface

And scatters abroad its inhabitants.

And it shall be:

As with the people, so with the priest;

As with the servant, so with his master;

As with the maid, so with her mistress;

As with the buyer, so with the seller;

As with the lender, so with the borrower;

As with the creditor, so with the debtor.

The land shall be entirely emptied and utterly plundered,

For the Lord has spoken this word.

Isaiah 24:1-3 NKJV

By the end of the tribulation, the land will be totally desolate of all those who chose to follow their own pride and evil desires. Humanities desire to be known for having done it their own way, now sees the consequences of their own folly. Such foolish, arrogant ones to deny God. The triumphant return of Jesus will set everything in order, by the word of His mouth. That is His sword. All He must do as He rides in on His White Horse is speak and all earth obeys. The Beast and Anti-Christ will be cast into a pit with one resounding breath of Jesus Christ. Satan and all his demons are chained for 1000 years.

Isaiah chapter 24 is a telescopic view of what is presented in microscopic form in Revelations.

Multiple Visions of the Far Future in flashes of Truth

The earth mourns and fades away,

The world languishes and fades away;

The haughty people of the earth languish.

The earth is also defiled under its inhabitants,

Because they have transgressed the laws,

Changed the ordinance,

Broken the everlasting covenant.

Isaiah 24:4-5 NKJV

We see the early stages of this now. Is not the earth moaning? Look around you at the hurricanes, earthquakes, riots, anger, animals suffering for man’s cruelty and greed. All of this pointing to the earth itself mourning and fading away. The defilement of the planet itself under humanities cruelty, pride, greed, and selfish desires.

The Initial 6 Scroll Judgements

The initial 6 scroll judgements are those that humanity has perpetrated on themselves. How? By breaking the everlasting covenant. What was the everlasting covenant? God Commanded

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so.

Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Genesis 1:26-30 and Genesis 2: 15-17 NKJV

It does not take a genius to see the covenant was broken by Adam . And it continues to be broken by humanity. We who were to care for the earth and all its habitants are the ones destroying ourselves Additionally humans are those who destroy all of those around us and the earth itself.

To read more deeply this part, go to my series in revelations or particularly

See The Coming Storm? Why not seek Shelter in Jesus Today?

As There Are Multiple Visions of the Far Future, This Is Just the Beginning.

Therefore the curse has devoured the earth,

And those who dwell in it are desolate.

Therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned,

And few men are left.

Isaiah 24:6

Is Isaiah’s prophecy speaking of the rioters who burn. Or is he giving a picture of the Fourth Bowl Judgement of God.

Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory. Revelation 16:8-9 NKJV

The Earthly New World Government Will Fail

The Antichrist and Beast will fail to bring joy and peace as promised. The festivals of joyous triumphant will fail.

The new wine fails, the vine languishes,

All the merry-hearted sigh.

The mirth of the tambourine ceases,

The noise of the jubilant ends,

The joy of the harp ceases.

They shall not drink wine with a song;

Strong drink is bitter to those who drink it.

The city of confusion is broken down;

Every house is shut up, so that none may go in.

There is a cry for wine in the streets,

All joy is darkened,

The mirth of the land is gone.

In the city desolation is left,

And the gate is stricken with destruction.

When it shall be thus in the midst of the land among the people,

It shall be like the shaking of an olive tree,

Like the gleaning of grapes when the vintage is done.

Isaiah 24: 7-13 NKJV

A Remnant Remains Throughout the Multiple Visions into the Far Future

They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing;

For the majesty of the Lord

They shall cry aloud from the sea.

Therefore glorify the Lord in the dawning light,

The name of the Lord God of Israel in the coastlands of the sea.

From the ends of the earth we have heard songs:

“Glory to the righteous!”

But I said, “I am ruined, ruined!

Woe to me!

The treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously,

Indeed, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously.”

Isaiah 24:14-16 NKJV

Shortly after the rapture there will be the 144,000 Jews who accept Christ as Savior. They will be sealed and protected. It will be them who preach the gospel message to all the earth, singing the praise to God. Those who believe will become the Martyred Saints. But as Isaiah looked at all the corruption surrounding him, he could not celebrate yet. This he knew was a future celebration of God’s Glory and joy. Meanwhile, evil surrounded him and sorrow overwhelmed him. Knowing the foolishness of those refusing to hear the pleading of God.

Even Further Destruction within the Multiple Visions of the Far Future

Fear and the pit and the snare

Are upon you, O inhabitant of the earth.

And it shall be

That he who flees from the noise of the fear

Shall fall into the pit,

And he who comes up from the midst of the pit

Shall be caught in the snare;

For the windows from on high are open,

And the foundations of the earth are shaken.

The earth is violently broken,

The earth is split open,

The earth is shaken exceedingly.

The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard,

And shall totter like a hut;

Its transgression shall be heavy upon it,

And it will fall, and not rise again.

Isaiah 24:17-23

Does this not describe the seventh bowl judgement?

Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great. Revelation 16:17-21

And Then Hope Amid the Multiple Visions of the Far Future

Christ Returns to Take His Throne

It shall come to pass in that day

That the Lord will punish on high the host of exalted ones,

And on the earth the kings of the earth.

They will be gathered together,

As prisoners are gathered in the [f]pit,

And will be shut up in the prison;

After many days they will be punished.

Then the moon will be disgraced

And the sun ashamed;

For the Lord of hosts will reign

On Mount Zion and in Jerusalem

And before His elders, gloriously.

Isaiah 24:21-23 NKJV

A condensed version of Revelation 18-19 presented here in Isaiah.

After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.” Again they said, “Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!” And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, “Amen! Alleluia!” Then a voice came from the throne, saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!”

And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND

LORD OF LORDS.

in the midst of heaven, “Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great.”

And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. Revelation 19 NKJV

How Close we Are to The Multiple Visions of the Far Future

They were distant and far in Isaiah’s Day. However, close now, if we consider all that is occurring in our day. The earth itself moans for the redemption to come. It cries forth with each passing day.

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Romans 8: 20-25 NKJV

The earth was subjected unwillingly; because God determined to save it and all those who would believe in His Son. His love so great He was willing to provide the way. But meanwhile He knew there would be suffering in this world due to sin. That would continue for a long time. Both humanity and all of creation have been facing this suffering. The earth itself suffering. But God sees the final picture which is glorious. Therefore He waits. So, the question is: are you ready for the rapture? Or are you going to be part of the tribulation?

For a deeper view of the book of Revelation you can visit:

Or follow the written lessons on:

Study in Revelations

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Check out my other website about the inspiration behind each song at Effie Darlene Barba, Songwriter and Poet

Only God Foretells Events with Absolute Accuracy. How?

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2026

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

¹ J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Common English Bible (CEB)

Photo taken by Effie Darlene Barba

Blog

Only God Foretells Events with Absolute Accuracy. How?

October 24, 2026 Effie Barba Leave a comment

As we study Isaiah Chapters 21 through 23, we recognize that there is a lot of prophecy about nations surrounding and including Israel. What is amazing is the exact accuracy in which these prophecies were realized. Some occurred over 150 years after they were prophesied. Truly only God foretells events with absolute accuracy as we will see in these events.

Isaiah 41:21-24 ESV God challenges false gods and idols to bring forward evidence.

Set forth your case, says the Lord;

bring your proofs, says the King of Jacob.

Let them bring them, and tell us

what is to happen.

Tell us the former things, what they are,

that we may consider them,

that we may know their outcome;

or declare to us the things to come.

Tell us what is to come hereafter,

that we may know that you are gods;

do good, or do harm,

that we may be dismayed and terrified.

Behold, you are nothing,

and your work is less than nothing;

an abomination is he who chooses you.

Isaiah 46: 8-11 ESV God contrasts himself with the idol they had been worshipping. Of course, He is Right and the idol has no real power. Yet, the people chose idols instead of the One True God.

“Remember this and stand firm,

recall it to mind, you transgressors,

remember the former things of old;

for I am God, and there is no other;

I am God, and there is none like me,

declaring the end from the beginning

and from ancient times things not yet done,

saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,

and I will accomplish all my purpose,’

calling a bird of prey from the east,

the man of my counsel from a far country.

I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;

I have purposed, and I will do it.

This truth of His Sovereignty and Absolute Accuracy in Prophesy is shown very clearly in the chapters that we are currently looking at from Isaiah 21 to Isaiah 22.

God Foretells Events with Absolute Accuracy

The oracle concerning the wilderness of the sea.

As whirlwinds in the Negeb sweep on,

it comes from the wilderness,

from a terrible land.

A stern vision is told to me;

the traitor betrays,

and the destroyer destroys.

Go up, O Elam;

lay siege, O Media;

all the sighing she has caused

I bring to an end.

Therefore my loins are filled with anguish;

pangs have seized me,

like the pangs of a woman in labor;

I am bowed down so that I cannot hear;

I am dismayed so that I cannot see.

My heart staggers; horror has appalled me;

the twilight I longed for

has been turned for me into trembling.

They prepare the table,

they spread the rugs,

they eat, they drink.

Arise, O princes;

oil the shield!

For thus the Lord said to me:

“Go, set a watchman;

let him announce what he sees.

When he sees riders, horsemen in pairs,

riders on donkeys, riders on camels,

let him listen diligently,

very diligently.”

Then he who saw cried out:

“Upon a watchtower I stand, O Lord,

continually by day,

and at my post I am stationed

whole nights.

And behold, here come riders,

horsemen in pairs!”

And he answered,

“Fallen, fallen is Babylon;

and all the carved images of her gods

he has shattered to the ground.”

O my threshed and winnowed one,

what I have heard from the Lord of hosts,

the God of Israel, I announce to you. Isaiah 21:1-10

In these verses God foretells Of the invasion of Medes and Persians against Babylon. Isaiah foretells of the Medo-Persian invasion of Babylon as later was referenced in Daniel 5. This is a perfect description of the occurrence during the feast of Belshazzar. This occurred somewhere between 554 and 560 BC. Isaiah died long before this was fulfilled in the 740s.

To the point that even Isaiah felt the terror for Belshazzar as he described verses 4 and 5 of chapter 21. He then declares that there must be Watchmen set . However, the Watchmen saw the Chariots Pulled by donkeys camels. Cyrus did you camels in war. Their fragrance frightened the horses of the Babylonian troops. Since the smell of the camels terrified the enemy horses, it was a very good strategy. It is recorded in history that he also used donkeys to carry the supplies.

God Foretells with Absolute Accuracy both Near and Far

At this point the cry is that Babylon has fallen is fallen all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground. This is the same exclamation made in revelation 14:8 referring to the final fall of Babylon. So, it occurred in 540 BC and it will certainly occur again just as certain as it occurred then.

There are some who believe the Antichrist will rebuild the city of Babylon very quickly once he takes power.

The Fall of Duma

Then there is a brief verse statement concerning Duma. Seir is a city that was settled by Esau. Here Edom is pictured as hiding in Seir wondering whether it is safe to come out. And Isaiah tells them of impending judgment unless they return and repent.

One is calling to me from Seir,

“Watchman, what time of the night?

Watchman, what time of the night?”

The watchman says:

“Morning comes, and also the night.

If you will inquire, inquire;

come back again.” Isaiah 21:11-12 ESV

The Edomites are the descendants of Esau and they were under judgement. They as a distinct group no longer exist. However, they are scattered among Jordan, Turkey, the “Palestinians” and parts of Europe.

God foretells events with the absolute accuracy concerning Arabia next

The oracle concerning Arabia.

In the thickets in Arabia you will lodge,

O caravans of Dedanites.

To the thirsty bring water;

meet the fugitive with bread,

O inhabitants of the land of Tema.

For they have fled from the swords,

from the drawn sword,

from the bent bow,

and from the press of battle.

For thus the Lord said to me, “Within a year, according to the years of a hired worker, all the glory of Kedar will come to an end. 17 And the remainder of the archers of the mighty men of the sons of Kedar will be few, for the Lord, the God of Israel, has spoken.” Isaiah 21: 13-17 ESV

There are various Arabian tribes of the desert beyond Edom Teemo. Here the prophet predicted that these desert tribes will be no match for the coming assyrian invasion .

Archaeological and historical records from the assyrian empire confirmed that the military power and wealth of the northern N Arabian nomadic tribe of Kedar collapsed in that general time frame during the aggressive campaigns of assyrian kings like Sargon the second and Sennacherib.

And what about Jerusalem (the Valley of Vision) chapter 22

The valley of vision refers to Jerusalem because it is surrounded by dominant mountain ranges and is located on the hills chapter 22 describes the storm of judgment they will come in torrents on Jerusalem herself with the coming Babylonian invasion.

The oracle concerning the valley of vision.

What do you mean that you have gone up,

all of you, to the housetops,

you who are full of shoutings,

tumultuous city, exultant town?

Your slain are not slain with the sword

or dead in battle.

All your leaders have fled together;

without the bow they were captured.

All of you who were found were captured,

though they had fled far away.

Therefore I said:

“Look away from me;

let me weep bitter tears;

do not labor to comfort me

concerning the destruction of the daughter of my people.”

For the Lord God of hosts has a day

of tumult and trampling and confusion

in the valley of vision,

a battering down of walls

and a shouting to the mountains.

And Elam bore the quiver

with chariots and horsemen,

and Kir uncovered the shield.

Your choicest valleys were full of chariots,

and the horsemen took their stand at the gates.

He has taken away the covering of Judah.

Isaiah 22:1-8a ESV

They Had Failed to Seek God for Their Success

Particularly in verses 8b through 14 Isaiah foretells of the fact that the people are weeping that they’ve done everything physically possible to save themselves except they have failed to turn to God and for that reason their judgment will come

In that day you looked to the weapons of the House of the Forest, and you saw that the breaches of the city of David were many. You collected the waters of the lower pool, and you counted the houses of Jerusalem, and you broke down the houses to fortify the wall. You made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool. But you did not look to him who did it, or see him who planned it long ago.

In that day the Lord God of hosts

called for weeping and mourning,

for baldness and wearing sackcloth;

and behold, joy and gladness,

killing oxen and slaughtering sheep,

eating flesh and drinking wine.

“Let us eat and drink,

for tomorrow we die.”

The Lord of hosts has revealed himself in my ears:

“Surely this iniquity will not be atoned for you until you die,”

says the Lord God of hosts. Isaiah 21:8b-14

God Foretells with Absolute Accuracy the Demise of Shebna

In verses 15 to 25 the Lord God of hosts speaks to the judgment of Shebna reportedly he was the treasurer and the leader of the pro Egyptian faction in Jerusalem. He thought that his position was very secure. Indeed, he had ordered a large sepulchre to be raised in his memory. However, Isaiah predicted that he would be demoted and die as a pauper in a foreign country.

Thus says the Lord God of hosts, “Come, go to this steward, to Shebna, who is over the household, and say to him: What have you to do here, and whom have you here, that you have cut out here a tomb for yourself, you who cut out a tomb on the height and carve a dwelling for yourself in the rock? Behold, the Lord will hurl you away violently, O you strong man. He will seize firm hold on you and whirl you around and around, and throw you like a ball into a wide land. There you shall die, and there shall be your glorious chariots, you shame of your master’s house. I will thrust you from your office, and you will be pulled down from your station. In that day I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and I will clothe him with your robe, and will bind your sash on him, and will commit your authority to his hand. And he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. And I will fasten him like a peg in a secure place, and he will become a throne of honor to his father’s house. And they will hang on him the whole honor of his father’s house, the offspring and issue, every small vessel, from the cups to all the flagons. In that day, declares the Lord of hosts, the peg that was fastened in a secure place will give way, and it will be cut down and fall, and the load that was on it will be cut off, for the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 22:15-25 ESV

Thus, Hezekiah replaced Shebna with Eliakim during the attempted attack by Sennacherib. This act also proved as a means of protecting the Davidic line.

Once more proving God foretells events with absolute accuracy. Only God can do that. Thus, confirming our hope in all His promises. Also confirming what is yet to come.

God never fails to accomplish all He has planned in nations and not in our lives either.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Check out my other website about the inspiration behind each song at Effie Darlene Barba, Songwriter and Poet

Should You Not Trust God’s Perfect Timing in Your Life?

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2026

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

¹ J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Common English Bible (CEB)

Photo taken by Effie Darlene Barba

Blog

Should You Not Trust God’s Perfect Timing in Your Life?

October 17, 2026 Effie Barba Leave a comment

Unfortunately, we often want God to sign onto our plans and on our timing. However, even concerning His promises. The ones we are certain are a part of His plan, we must wait. Normally, we are not good at waiting. In fact we are bad, which is why we must grow in faith so that we learn to trust God’s Perfect Timing in our lives.

Abraham was 75 years old and childless when God promised him, he would be a father of many nations. The world would be blessed through him. This despite his not having any children at that time. Then, it was another 24 years before Isaac was born. During that time, God continued to grow his faith. Throughout scripture, we see this. God Promises, humans don’t wait, thinking they know better how to accomplish things. Things get messed up. Why do we not trust His word? After all, everything He has said throughout generations has come true or are yet to be accomplished.

This is the case in point as we look at Isaiah 18-20. God told Judah not to make alliances with other countries. They made an alliance with Assyria to help against Syria and Israel. Then when Assyria turned against them, they tried reached out to Ethiopia (Cush) for a new alliance. This instead of waiting on and trusting God. During Isaiah’s Day the Twenty-fifth Ethiopian Dynasty that also controlled Egypt.

With assistance of AI, found this. “The 25th Dynasty of Egypt, often referred to as the Cushite Dynasty, was a significant period in ancient Egyptian history. It lasted from approximately 747 BC to 656 BC and was marked by the rule of pharaohs from the Kingdom of Kush, located in present-day Sudan.”

Trust God’s Perfect Timing

Woe to the land shadowed with buzzing wings,

Which is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia,

Which sends ambassadors by sea,

Even in vessels of reed on the waters, saying,

“Go, swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth of skin,

To a people terrible from their beginning onward,

A nation powerful and treading down,

Whose land the rivers divide.” Isaiah 18:1-2 NKJV

There are varying interpretations of the land shadowed with buzzing wings; however, this may be most logical. Their King was very powerful and in Egyptian hierographic is depicted as an Eagle with its wings overshadowing Egypt. They were sea farers with many ships as noted in the vessels of reed on the waters. The Egyptians were known for shaving their entire body, thus the messengers to a nation tall and smooth. This because the Empire had adopted much of the Egyptian customs. They were considered a mighty and fierce nation.

They were a nation that came onto the scene quickly, but God chose to wait until they reached their peak of power.

But God Awaits His Perfect Timing

Hezekiah had wanted to make an alliance with the Cushite King during the time of Sennacharib; however, God waited. God defeated Sennacharib when he attempted to invade Israel. Later it was Assyria that drove the Kushite out of Egypt. Careful who you make friends with. It is better to Trust God’s Perfect timing.

All inhabitants of the world and dwellers on the earth:

When he lifts up a banner on the mountains, you see it;

And when he blows a trumpet, you hear it.

For so the Lord said to me,

“I will take My rest,

And I will ^[^b^]look from My dwelling place

Like clear heat in sunshine,

Like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.”

For before the harvest, when the bud is perfect

And the sour grape is ripening in the flower,

He will both cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks

And take away and cut down the branches.

They will be left together for the mountain birds of prey

And for the beasts of the earth;

The birds of prey will summer on them,

And all the beasts of the earth will winter on them. Isaiah 18: 3-6 NKJV

Very poetic way of saying this. So let me paraphrase it a bit. Everyone, listen up, when God lifts His banner, you will see it. When He determines it is time and blows His trumpet, you will hear it. But for the moment, He has determined to “take a rest” while watching from heaven. At just the right moment, when they reach their height, they will be torn down. They will become the ones preyed upon.

And it happened just as God said.

But Again, Trust God’s Perfect Timing

One day they too (a remnant thereof) will bow before the Almighty in the Millennial Reign of Christ.

In that time a present will be brought to the Lord of hosts

From a people tall and smooth of skin,

And from a people terrible from their beginning onward,

A nation powerful and treading down,

Whose land the rivers divide—

To the place of the name of the Lord of hosts,

To Mount Zion. Isaiah 18:7 NKJV

And What about Egypt? Can they trust God’s Perfect timing as well?

The burden against Egypt.

Behold, the Lord rides on a swift cloud,
And will come into Egypt;
The idols of Egypt will totter at His presence,
And the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst. “I will set Egyptians against Egyptians;
Everyone will fight against his brother,
And everyone against his neighbor,
City against city, kingdom against kingdom. The spirit of Egypt will fail in its midst;
I will destroy their counsel,
And they will consult the idols and the charmers,
The mediums and the sorcerers. And the Egyptians I will give
Into the hand of a cruel master,
And a fierce king will rule over them,”
Says the Lord, the Lord of hosts. Isaiah 19:1-4

Now if we look at Benson’s Commentary, there is a description of a near fulfillment of the prophecy.

“Not many years after the destruction of Sennacherib’s army before Jerusalem, by which the Egyptians were freed from the yoke with which they were threatened by so powerful an enemy, who had carried on a successful war of three years’ continuance against them, the affairs of Egypt were again thrown into confusion by intestine broils among themselves, which ended in a perfect anarchy that lasted some years. This was followed by an aristocracy, or rather tyranny, of twelve princes, who divided the country between them, and at last by the sole dominion of Psammitichus, which he held for fifty-four years. Not long after that, followed the invasion and conquest of Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar; and then by the Persians under Cambyses, the son of Cyrus. The yoke of the Persians was so grievous, that the conquest of the Persians by Alexander may well be considered as a deliverance to Egypt; especially as he and his successors greatly favoured the people, and improved the country. To all these events the prophet seems to have had a view in this chapter;” which contains the fifth discourse of the second part of Isaiah’s prophecies, delivered at another time, and much later than the preceding, and copiously setting forth the fate of Egypt, a nation, from the remotest antiquity, famous in the East. _{Benson Commentary, Bible Hub accessed 10/17/2026.} _{https://biblehub.com/commentaries/isaiah/19-1.htm}

But note: There appears a reference to a far fulfillment as well. Whom will God give them over to in the future? Well, it will be the anti-Christ. As we will see in the next few verses the water of the Nile had never been a problem either, until more recently. So there are stages in the fulfillment of these prophecies as we have seen in others.

The Dams Along the Nile have played havoc on Egypt

We can watch in real time the fulfillment of the next verses

The waters will fail from the sea,

And the river will be wasted and dried up.

The rivers will turn foul;

The brooks of defense will be emptied and dried up;

The reeds and rushes will wither.

The papyrus reeds by the River, by the mouth of the River,

And everything sown by the River,

Will wither, be driven away, and be no more.

The fishermen also will mourn;

All those will lament who cast hooks into the River,

And they will languish who spread nets on the waters.

Moreover those who work in fine flax

And those who weave fine fabric will be ashamed;

And its foundations will be broken.

All who make wages will be troubled of soul.

Surely the princes of Zoan are fools;

Pharaoh’s wise counselors give foolish counsel.

How do you say to Pharaoh, “I am the son of the wise,

The son of ancient kings?”

Where are they?

Where are your wise men?

Let them tell you now,

And let them know what the Lord of hosts has purposed against Egypt.

The princes of Zoan have become fools;

The princes of Noph are deceived;

They have also deluded Egypt,

Those who are the mainstay of its tribes.

The Lord has mingled a perverse spirit in her midst;

And they have caused Egypt to err in all her work,

As a drunken man staggers in his vomit.

Neither will there be any work for Egypt,

Which the head or tail,

Palm branch or bulrush, may do.

In that day Egypt will be like women, and will be afraid and fear because of the waving of the hand of the Lord of hosts, which He waves over it. And the land of Judah will be a terror to Egypt; everyone who makes mention of it will be afraid in himself, because of the counsel of the Lord of hosts which He has determined against it. Isaiah 19:5-17 NKJV

3 dams have been constructed along the Nile, ultimately causing havoc to agriculture and fishing industries. The first was the Aswan Low Dam in 1902. The second was the Aswan High Dam completed in 1970. The third was completed in 2025 as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam which supplies hydro energy to Ethiopia.

Over the years, various dams, including the Aswan High Dam, have been constructed to manage floodwaters and generate hydroelectric power, but these projects have also led to negative consequences, such as the spread of waterborne diseases and salinization of agricultural lands. The increasing population in the Nile Basin has exacerbated water shortages, with countries like Egypt projected to face severe water scarcity by 2025. International collaborations, such as the Nile Basin Initiative, aim to address these challenges and promote equitable distribution of the river’s resources. Overall, the Nile River embodies a complex interplay of environmental health, human needs, and geopolitical tensions, highlighting the urgency for sustainable management of this vital waterway. Environmental Health of the Nile River, https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/consumer-health/environmental-health-nile-river/

Yet, Isaiah foretold of this in the 700s BC. God does not accomplish things on our time. In this case, He watched and let man’s need for power and energy do the work themselves.

We Can Certainly Trust God’s Perfect Timing

Note the theme here. God will punish His own. It is evident He will punish Israel as a nation and has. But will redeem them. He also plays a major role in punishing those who have wronged Israel. It is like you have a child, and someone else steps in to punish your child or draw them astray. You will get in their face and pretty quickly. Your job is to discipline your own and to protect them from others. God sees Israel has His. He refers to Israel as the “apple of His eye”

“Up, up! Flee from the land of the north,” says the Lord; “for I have spread you abroad like the four winds of heaven,” says the Lord. “Up, Zion! Escape, you who dwell with the daughter of Babylon.” For thus says the Lord of hosts: “He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye. For surely I will shake My hand against them, and they shall become spoil for their servants. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me. “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” says the Lord. “Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and they shall become My people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you. And the Lord will take possession of Judah as His inheritance in the Holy Land, and will again choose Jerusalem.Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for He is aroused from His holy habitation!” Zechariah 2:5-13 NKJV

Best we are not the one poking the eye of God. He will punish His own.

Trust God’s Perfect Timing in His Grace as Well

The same as God remembers the bad. He remembers to reward those who helped. Remember when the Pharoah of Egypt took in Joseph and later his family to protect them. There was a time that Assyria also helped Israel though brief. Furthermore, God promised Abraham that there would be some of Ishmael’s descendants rewarded.

Therefore, in the future Millenial Reign of Christ

In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan (HEBREW) and swear by the Lord of hosts; one will be called the City of Destruction. In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the Lord at its border. And it will be for a sign and for a witness to the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the Lord because of the oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Mighty One, and He will deliver them. Then the Lord will be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know the Lord in that day, and will make sacrifice and offering; yes, they will make a vow to the Lord and perform it. And the Lord will strike Egypt, He will strike and heal it; they will return to the Lord, and He will be entreated by them and heal them. In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will serve with the Assyrians. In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing in the midst of the land, whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, “Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.” Isaiah 19: 18-25 NKJV

Then we step back to Trust the Perfect Timing of God

Isaiah 20 gives a closeup view of what was to come first in these series of events.

In the year that Tartan came to Ashdod, when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him, and he fought against Ashdod and took it, at the same time the Lord spoke by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, “Go, and remove the sackcloth from your [b]body, and take your sandals off your feet.” And he did so, walking naked and barefoot. Then the Lord said, “Just as My servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and a wonder against Egypt and Ethiopia, so shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians as prisoners and the Ethiopians as captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, with their buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt. Then they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation and Egypt their glory. And the inhabitant of this territory will say in that day, ‘Surely such is our expectation, wherever we flee for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria; and how shall we escape?’ ” Isaiah 20:1-6 NKJV

Why in this order? Because when the Israelite nation saw this fulfilled. Immediately, they should have known the rest would as well. That is to verify they can trust God’s Perfect Timing. So can we.

In the fullness of time, Jesus came, born of a virgin, to walk this earth. He suffered rejection, pain, sorrow, and hunger. Then, ultimately the full wrath of God the Father, The wrath poured out without the comfort of the Holy Spirit. He did all this to pay the penalty for our sin. Then on the third day, He arose from the dead, victorious for us. How can we not trust Him with all the minute details of our lives.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Check out my other website about the inspiration behind each song at Effie Darlene Barba, Songwriter and Poet

How to Put God First When Life Feels Absolutely Overwhelming

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

¹ J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Common English Bible (CEB)

Photo taken by Effie Darlene Barba

Blog

How to Put God First When Life Feels Absolutely Overwhelming

October 11, 2026 Effie Barba Leave a comment

As we continue looking at the judgements of God prophesied in Isaiah to Judah, Israel, and all the surrounding nations we should stop and think. Why did it have to be this way? What happened, making this necessary? And can we avoid it? When life feels overwhelming, how do we put God first. Only in Him is peace, joy, hope, and victory maintained when the world around us is driving us to despair. What had gone wrong for Israel and Judah that we can learn about? And how did their errors affect all the nations surrounding them? How much do our responses affect all those around us? Can we really fake it until we make it? Or are there ways to put God First thus reversing the overwhelming feelings we may have.

This all goes back to the beginning, when Adam sinned and we are now born with these natures that cause us to look away from God. Too often we are concerned with our own feelings and not that of God. What can we get from Him? How can we just do this ourselves to feel more powerful within our own world? Yet, God has a better plan amid our whirling world of chaos.

He sometimes even allows our overwhelming circumstances to bring our eyes back into focus on Him. Not out of cruelty, but out of love. He knows our only true source of abundant joy, is the Glorious King of the Universe, Himself. Therefore, He will do whatever it takes so we put God First in our life. Thereby, providing us with Life Abundant and overflowing. So, as we study this section of Isaiah, keep your eyes open to discover how to Put God First.

Proclamation Against Syria and Israel

The burden against Damascus.

“Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city,

And it will be a ruinous heap.

The cities of Aroer are forsaken;

They will be for flocks

Which lie down, and no one will make them afraid.

The fortress also will cease from Ephraim,

The kingdom from Damascus,

And the remnant of Syria;

They will be as the glory of the children of Israel,”

Says the Lord of hosts. Isaiah 17: 1-3

The 10 tribes of Israel split from the 2 Southern tribes of Judah when Rehoboam (one of Solomon’s sons) attempted to place harsher taxes and rules over the people. 10 tribes then followed Jeroboam (another son of Solomon), thus splitting the kingdom. Thus, the greed and desire for power of Rehoboam began the split. However, Jeroboam made a major error. To avoid the people traveling to Jerusalem to sacrifice, he set up a separate temple in which he placed a Golden Calf.

Then began the era in which Israel (also called Ephraim) the northern tribe began a series of bad kings. Judah had her share of bad kings as well. However, Judah did intermittently have some good kings that would turn their eyes back on God. Yet, that would only last for a brief time. At this point in Isaiah, the northern tribe had joined with Syria to attempt to conquer Judah to increase forces. Their goal being to protect themselves against Assyria. Yet, not relying on God as their source. Idol worship plagued both kingdoms at this point.

Put God First

This was their major sin. Neither the northern tribes nor the southern tribes put God First. Both relied on themselves to perform and to win against the enemies. In doing so, both pulled in and joined with other allies. Israel with Syria and Judah with Assyria. To make matters worse, they also joined in the worship of the idolatrous practices of those whom they adjoined with. Instead of teaching their neighbors to worship the one true God, they forsook God. Or at least He became an afterthought or a “get out of jail free card”. As the chosen nation, they believed God would always rescue them. Wanting Him to do things their way. As Christians do we do that as well?

So, lets recap. To put God first we must:

Remember that God is Sovereign

Feast on the truth that it is Grace that Saved us, not anything we did

Develop an attitude of Gratitude because of His Grace

Hold fast to a reverent, awe-struck fear of Almighty God, remembering His Glorious Splendor.

Lay aside our desire for and hold on to pride in ourselves. What we think we have accomplished in life and for God.

Cast aside those “idols” that overtake us so easily. Money, “likes”, clicks, people’s approval, job, etc.

Take the time to seek God first every morning, every day.

Back to the Story of Damascus and Israel

Well Damascus is known as one of the most ancient of cities. It is still present and the capital of Syria. This despite a very tumultuous history. Therefore, did God fail in this prophesy? A thousand times no. Indeed, as history reveals as well as the Bible itself, this did happen.

“Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, came up to wage war on Jerusalem, and they besieged Ahaz but could not conquer him. At that time Rezin the king of Syria recovered Elath for Syria and drove the men of Judah from Elath, and the Edomites came to Elath, where they dwell to this day. So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, ‘I am your servant and your son. Come up and rescue me from the hand of the king of Syria and from the hand of the king of Israel, who are attacking me.’ Ahaz also took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the Lord and in the treasures of the king’s house and sent a present to the king of Assyria. And the king of Assyria listened to him. The king of Assyria marched up against Damascus and took it, carrying its people captive to Kir, and he killed Rezin” 2 Kings 16: 5-9 ESV

Damascus was rebuilt years later. After multiple points in history of destruction, it has proven one of the most resilient cities at re-establishing itself. Thus, the final destruction is yet in the future. Indeed, some believe the Anti-Christ may come from Damascus or at least Syria. God is not done yet. Still, He is calling a remnant of believers from Syria as well who will put God First.

As Damascus Falls, so Does Israel at that Time

“In that day it shall come to pass

That the glory of Jacob will wane,

And the fatness of his flesh grow lean.

It shall be as when the harvester gathers the grain,

And reaps the heads with his arm;

It shall be as he who gathers heads of grain

In the Valley of Rephaim.

Yet gleaning grapes will be left in it,

Like the shaking of an olive tree,

Two or three olives at the top of the uppermost bough,

Four or five in its most fruitful branches,”

Says the Lord God of Israel. Isaiah 17: 4-6 NKJV

There will be a remnant left as always, but life will be hard.

God’s Goal? To Put God First

In that day a man will look to his Maker,

And his eyes will have respect for the Holy One of Israel.

He will not look to the altars,

The work of his hands;

He will not respect what his fingers have made,

Nor the wooden images nor the incense altars. Isaiah 17: 7-8 NKJV

There will come the day when all turn their eyes back to God. They will forsake the idolatrous altars. Nor will they look anymore at the work of their own hands. They will finally put God first. Why does God put His Glory as the most important thing? After all, does not the creator of all the universe know what creation and the creatures most need? We were made to experience His glory, His love, and His joy. Without these, we are always with that sensation of incompleteness. Often, we fail to recognize what it is that we truly desire and confuse it with many other things. In the case of Syria and Israel, they had forsaken God. Hence, their upcoming take over by Assyria.

In that day his strong cities will be as a forsaken bough

And an uppermost branch,

Which they left because of the children of Israel;

And there will be desolation.

Because you have forgotten the God of your salvation,

And have not been mindful of the Rock of your stronghold,

Therefore you will plant pleasant plants

And set out foreign seedlings;

In the day you will make your plant to grow,

And in the morning you will make your seed to flourish;

But the harvest will be a heap of ruins

In the day of grief and desperate sorrow. Isaiah 17:9-11 NKJV

Neither will Assyria be left with its Plunder

Even though God allowed the arrogance of Assyria to punish Syria and Israel, they are not without guilt. They too will face judgement.

Woe to the multitude of many people

Who make a noise like the roar of the seas,

And to the rushing of nations

That make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters!

The nations will rush like the rushing of many waters;

But God will rebuke them and they will flee far away,

And be chased like the chaff of the mountains before the wind,

Like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.

Then behold, at eventide, trouble!

And before the morning, he is no more.

This is the portion of those who plunder us,

And the lot of those who rob us. Isaiah 17: 12-14 NKJV

So, When Life Feels Absolutely Overwhelming

As it does most of the time anymore, look up and put God first. We are living in the end times, I do believe. We were never promised that this broken world would be our comfort zone. But we were promised that God would be our source of peace and joy. He promises to never leave us or forsake us. So, stop listening to all the news and people around you that try to tear your spirits down. Instead, put God first. Cling to His Word. And then say, “You will not steal my joy today.” Dwelling continually as in His presence. He has given us “every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Jesus Christ”. Therefore, we have every tool needed to win in the battles of spiritual warfare.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

For Prayer or Comments

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Check out my other website about the inspiration behind each song at Effie Darlene Barba, Songwriter and Poet

Do You Really Trust God’s Justice and Mercy Today?

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

¹ J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Common English Bible (CEB)

Photo taken by Effie Darlene Barba

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Proclamation Against Syria and Israel

Put God First

So, lets recap. To put God first we must:

Back to the Story of Damascus and Israel

As Damascus Falls, so Does Israel at that Time

God’s Goal? To Put God First

Neither will Assyria be left with its Plunder

So, When Life Feels Absolutely Overwhelming

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

For Prayer or Comments

Previous Post

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2026

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Inspiring Joy in Lifes Toughest Moments