When we read through the old testament, we sometimes stand in wonder at how many times God pleads with His people. These people who are so quick to forget all that He has already done for them. These people who quickly become caught up in foolish desires, worship idols of their own making, and grumble because they want something different. God is the one who provides all that they need. He knows that the only love that can fill their heart completely, the only One who can fill that empty void is Himself–the mighty and great I AM. We read about them and say "What a foolish people!!" Then we look at ourselves and see the same. When everything is comfortable we forget to praise Him and we wander off seeking other pastures; yet,
He pleads with us to remember who is our provider.
When His Providential will leads us through
tempestuous waters
or through a blazing flame, we moan, tremble in fear, and beg God to answer our prayer. Our faith shakes when trials or questions lay before us because we do not really believe that God is In Control, meaning this thing (whatever it is), this thing has been ordained by the only true God, Creator of the Universe. He ordained it in love, that I might grow in my ability to rejoice in His presence. He ordained it in love, that I might learn to trust Him. He ordained it in love, that I might see the beauty of His Glory. He ordained it in love that He might draw me closer to Him because only there will I find fulfillment, peace, hope, and joy.
Read with me the plea He made to His people, all of His people
in Isaiah.
Isaiah 43: Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
3 For I am the Lord thy God…..
19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
20 The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.
21 This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.
22 But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel.
23 Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings; neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense.
24 Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.
25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
26 Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.
So what was His plea? Let us look carefully at these.
1. Fear Not because I have redeemed you, I AM is with you, I AM omnipotence–every tiny detail of your life, I have ordained, I AM the Lord thy God.
2. I the great I AM will do a new thing with your life, a greater thing than you can imagine, I will make a way when all you see is wilderness, I will provide you the flowing rivers of abundant life when you feel you are marching through a desert.
3. I your God realize that your soul becomes so burdened, fearful, and distant from your only source of hope when you turn away from praising me. The beasts of the field will bow before His Majesty and praise Him for all that He has done while we moan without understanding and without rejoicing that God is in Control, no matter what He has the best plan for us. And God pleads that we return to honoring and praising Him.
4. Remember that I, even I the perfect righteous and just, the Great I AM is the he who blotteth out thy transgression not because you deserve it but because of who I AM, because of my love for you.
5. He bids all to come to Him, accept His gift of salvation that He might show you great and mighty things in Him. He is your Joy, Hope, Love, and Victory.
Question: When He Calls Your Name, Will You Say–Here I Am Lord?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GINNh15cT08&list=RD02P8lOfMjtxdE
© 2013 Effie Darlene Barba
Photography by Sarah Barba (used by permission) © 2013 Sarah Barba can be purchased at
http://fineartamerica.com/featured/water-falls-sarah-barba.html If you go to the site you will notice that in the picture it appears that a small clay pot is being suspended on the edge of the waterfall. Much like we fragile clay pots are held by God, steady secure even when the raging water surround us.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”