The Lord of hosts has sworn, saying, “Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, And as I have purposed, so it shall stand” (Isaiah 14:24, NKJV).
The Old Testament is full of instances where God instructed people to set up some sort of altar to commemorate something wonderful the Lord had done. God knew it was important for frail human beings to be reminded of His faithfulness. Think about it. How many times has God come through for us, causing us to rejoice and thank Him and believe—at that moment—that we will never doubt Him again? And then another trial comes along, and…sure enough, there we go again, wondering if God will do as He promised or abandon us to our own devices.
That’s one of the reasons I love Isaiah 14:24 and quote it often. The verse isn’t just a promise to us that God will be faithful; it is God Himself swearing to us that just as He has been faithful in the past, He will continue to be faithful in the future. If God has purposed something, it will happen. Nothing you or I or the devil himself can do will ever negate or thwart God’s purpose or plan.
Now let’s take that to the next step, remembering that we are an integral part of God’s plan and purpose. God has also promised in Jeremiah 29:11 that His plans for His people are good plans, to give us “a future and a hope.” If that is true—and we know it is because it is written in His Word—and if it is also true that as God has fulfilled His purposes in the past He will do the same in the future, then regardless of the circumstances or situations that threaten and swirl around us, we can rest in the peace and promise of God’s faithfulness.
If you don’t have a memorial of some sort to remind you of that great truth, I encourage you to establish one soon—a piece of paper with the above scripture written out where you can see it, a rock with the chapter and verse painted on it, anything that will serve as a reminder that God’s faithfulness is greater than anything that comes against you today—or ever. Remembering God’s promises has brought me great peace through the years, and it will do the same for you.
Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs.
Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences. She won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) and was the 2011 Author of the Year from BooksandAuthors.net. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband.
Image courtesy of graur raznan ionut/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Thanks so much Kathi. I love the idea of a memorial! I have a small "writer bear" which I bought on my first journey to America to attend a writers' conference. He sits on my dressing-table with his little book round his neck, and he reminds me of a great time of learning from both the Lord and from other writers way ahead of me!
ReplyDeleteThose markers in our lives are so important. It's so easy to forget when the storms of life hit. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteJeremiah 29:11 is alive and well in my life....I have been living by this verse for more than 20 years. It has been a large part of my life and my testimony always includes it whether on the street or at home. I actually found a large strip magnet of this verse and see it every time I walk into my kitchen. I will add Isaiah 14: 24 to my daily "sightings!"
ReplyDeleteJudith Coopy