Isaiah

I'm studying the book of Isaiah this year in a women's Bible study group.  Each week the study takes me deeper into God's Word and shows me how little my God has been; how enormous He really is.  I receive blessings every time I open that book.

Throughout the first 8 chapters the Jews turned their backs on God while seeking protection and mercy from their neighbors.  Over and over again God revealed His plans and promised Himself as a sanctuary to those who believed.  Over and over they sought peace and prosperity from their culture and surroundings.

I am beginning to understand the Jews' response to God.  We leave in two weeks for a short "vision trip" to Germany.  God continues to guide us through our visits with potential ministry partners.  We have experienced the Lord leading and blessing at every turn.   Yet this morning my mood reflects the dreariness of the weather.  I am doubting God.  And I hear a voice in my head asking me how I will ever deal with the enormity of the goodbyes yet to come.

Isaiah's message this week reveals Christ as God's Cornerstone, the foundation and sanctuary for those who trust Him.   Unfortunately,  "For the untrusting it's '...a stone to trip over, a boulder blocking the way.'"  My confidence remains in Christ, my Cornerstone; I will "never have cause to regret it."   (passages taken from 1 Peter 2:6-8, The Message)   Because God is greater, I can have peace in spite of circumstances.  I can choose joy over fretting.  He IS my sanctuary.