Isaiah 4 

No need to run from difficult and painful experiences. Instead of avoiding such negative situations, allow them to mold your thinking and responses. Train yourself to go to God whenever painful situations come up. Ask God how he wants to change you. Become comfortable with the pain, knowing that it will produce things in you that God desires. 

Blessings, rewards, and protection come to those who have been cleansed and purified. Such cleansing and purification can only come through painful experiences. 

This is what God did with Israel in Isaiah chapter 4, as he was creating a remnant that he could be proud of. He wants to reward and protect his remnant. “There will be a booth for shade by the day from the heat, and for a refuge and a shelter from the storm and rain” (Isaiah 4:6) 

Will you be that renamant? 

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Life is tough. Tell me about it. There’s no way around the struggles of life. Ever wish you could just press “Delete” on the troubles of life? There’s no way.

So you end up being frustrated, troubled, or even angry at life. Some simply get disillusioned and give up. The Bible says: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12). 

This still doesn’t solve my problems. But it puts me in a different mindset. Be patient in your troubles knowing that God is faithful to carry you through. He’s done it before and he’ll continue. 

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Have you ever heard someone speak and you realize that their words were utter foolishness?

During such times I remember the words of Solomon: “A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools” (Prov 26:3).

I don’t think I’m being mean or judgemental. In fact, it’s just a recognition of the fact. Maybe, just maybe, it will be the best for that person.

Sorry, I don’t intend to offend anyone. It’s just a thought. What do you think?

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 As the speed increases, the opportunity for course correction decreases. This inverse correlation applies not only to vehicles but also to decision making and implementation. 

Take it slow. Spend time in prayer. Consider various options. Make sure to take wise counsel. But don’t stay at this stage for long. You’ve got to take a step and begin the process. 

After you’ve begun, repeat the process as before. Spend more time in prayer. Consider options. Take wise counsel. Make corrections where necessary. 

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The disciples had a unique sense of partnering with the Holy Spirit in their ministry. They not only ministered in the power of the Spirit, they also partnered with Him in making decisions:

“For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to use to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements” (Acts 15:28).

God has given us the ability to think and to make reasonable decisions. We soak all these in prayer and partner with the Spirit as we make decisions.

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Jesus always found time to be alone in prayer. He made time to be with his Father. His time alone in prayer was a priority for him. 

He modeled this in his life and passed on this practice to his disciples. “And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, ‘So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak’” (Matt 26:40-41). 

Jesus found strength by spending time with the Father in prayer. He offered this practice to his disciples as well. So at the most difficult times in your life, turn to the Father in prayer. 

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We’ve always seen God as the giver of all good things. But when He takes away what he has given, we get annoyed. This may even be confusing for us. 

“For behold, the Lord God of hosts is taking away from Jerusalem and from Judah support and supply, all support and bread, and all support of water” (Isaiah 3:1). 

No one likes to lose what they already have. All things in life are a gift, beginning with the ability to work and to earn. Gradually, those gifts become our “rights” and we take ownership. That’s when we struggle with losses. 

Somehow, we need to return to God the rights of ownership of all we have. Then we can be fully submitted to his will and plan for our lives. 

The ultimate blessing is to live in obedience to God. When we allow God to take the load, our paths take on a different direction. Obedience and submission to God brings blessings that are beyond what we’ve imagined. 

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You can try being the best to please everyone. But you may kill yourself in the process. The sheer effort and energy required may be too much. And ultimately you’ll never reach your aim. Many end up disillusioned and turn to various vices that ultimately destroy them. 

But there’s a better way. You can be the best for a smaller audience. These are people who connect with you and relate to your values. Be who you are and be the best you possibly can be for a smaller group of people. You will find more fulfillment and will make a profound impact on many over a span of years. 

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I’ve heard about it but never experienced it. Something I was struggling with gripped my entire body and various muscles involuntarily began to shiver like I was out in extreme cold without a jacket. 

It was the first time I felt like I didn’t have control over my body. I quickly knelt beside my bed and prayed. I was praying to the Lord for mercy as I had no clue what was happening. Then, of course, He came. I was able to go back to sleep. 

I wonder about people who don’t have Jesus. What about those who don’t have the Holy Spirit at their side constantly? The stuff of life might be too much to bear for them as well. It is for me. But I have Jesus. 

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How young? As young as anyone who can read these thoughts. 

1. Have a plan for your life as early as possible. 

This doesn’t imply that your plan never changes. Rather, your plan will mature over the years. 

I’m reminded of the famous investor Warren Buffet who bought his first stock early in life. Even in his 90’s, he continued the same but with a mature and complex approach. 

Plan early. Let that plan develop as you grow and mature as you mature. You’ll be much better off. 

2. Always have a second income. 

You might think “I don’t even have one income, so how can I think of a second income?” Develop that mindset and test out various ideas early on in life. Take risks with several projects that could potentially generate an income. One or several of these will bring opportunities for multiple incomes. 

3. Don’t forget God

Fear of the future. Fear of failure. Fear of the unknown. Fear of losing friends. Fear of fear itself. There are an unlimited number of things to be feared in life. And we all have our fears. 

What if we could replace each one of those fears with trust? A deep and profound trust in Jesus, the one who said “Don’t fear” can be a life changer. Yes, it’s easier said than done. Start small. Take each of your smaller fears and bring them to Jesus. Then step up your game, one fear at a time. It works. What is your other option? 

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