“The precious promises, contained in this chapter, belong in the first place to the Church of God; but, as that which belongs to the Church, really belongs to every member of it, we shall not be acting dishonestly with the Scripture if we, who are believers, personally take home to ourselves every drop of comfort that we can find here.” Charles Spurgeon
Part of the mysterious beauty of the scripture is how it can be written on the heart of each believer. Take this chapter in Isaiah which was written to the Israelite nation; yet, it is written is such a manner as to give comfort personally to each member of the body of Christ without exception. This chapter became very significant to me when I stood all alone, widowed at the age of 39. The fact of my widowhood was even more devastating as I looked at all my failures of the past—divorced before having met Pete.
For me, I was amazed that God had brought this wondrous man into my life and I loved Pedro Barba with an unconditional, undying love. We humans; however, are broken and flawed beings. When widowed at 39, little did I know God had written to me my story in Isaiah 54 and all I needed do is read the unfolding of my life in God.
Pete had been through a lot in his life and was too frightened to declare his love for me until the day before he died which had left emptiness throughout the marriage, fulfilled for a brief moment and then he was gone. He had found Christ as His Savior 6 months before he died; so, I will see him again. Ah, though that reunion will be sweet; but none to compare to my seeing Christ. This brings us back to Isaiah 54 and why on the personal level it has meant so much to me and
how I have watched God’s mighty, wondrous and merciful hand fulfill that chapter personally in my life.
1. “4 Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed…for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.6 For the Lord hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God.” What a comforting thought. Despite my failures, despite my feelings of loneliness—God reminded me of His own love, mercy, and kindness toward me. I had nothing to fear because God would be my husband.
2. “10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.” Deep abiding peace of mind has been such a gift—a life of trials has oddly but miraculously changed my central focus from me to an Almighty God who always has the perfect plan for my life. Now, why waste the energy on worry when you know the end is joy—so just start with joy.
3. “11 O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.” He has paved my path even through the years of illness; he paved my path that I might come to know Him more, love Him more and recognize He is my Greatest Treasure.
4. “13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” The earthly gift that most makes my heart sing is this. God has so blessed my children with wisdom beyond their years, with faith that is strong, with incredible spouses perfectly matched and with beautiful children of their own. To see God’s fulfillment of this promise with such magnificence would alone cause me to shout from the mountaintops of His Glory.
5. “14 In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.” I have no need to fear anything—I don’t even have to fear my own weaknesses. God has promised to provide my righteousness—He will be the one transforming me. He will be my witness of Him and carve out the memories He needs.
6. “17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.” Protected by His mighty Hand of Grace—WOW!!
So, I just told you of the special meaning of Isaiah 54 in my life. But there is more. Isaiah 54 has special meaning to each and every believer or member of the church and special meaning in the prophecy of the Israelite nation. It is truly amazing how God writes the scripture in just that manner to touch a person, a nation and all of His Church at the same time. Let’s spend a few days exploring just how miraculous is this chapter. In the words of Charles Spurgeon:
“Try and suck all the sweetness that you can out of this chapter while we read it. The personal application of a promise to the heart by the Holy Spirit is that which is wanted. The honey in Jonathan’s wood never enlightened his eyes until he dipped the point of his rod into it and tasted it. Try and do the same. This chapter is the wood wherein every bough doth drip with virgin honey. Sip: taste, and be satisfied.”(Spurgeon)
Oh, Father I must sing; You Are My All In All
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
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.”