"… If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, "Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights." — Isaiah 7:9-11
King Ahaz was a wicked king (see 2 Chronicles 28). War was brewing and he had reason to be afraid. His kingdom was being beat up right and left. He looted the LORD’s treasuries to forge an alliance with Assyria. But Assyria took the loot and bullied Ahaz. In the midst of all this turmoil, the LORD reaches out to Ahaz and offers him encouragement and a chance to come in out of the rain.
God tells him to stand firm in his faith. But he doesn’t leave it there. He offers him a sign.
Ahaz gets an opportunity that very few people have ever had. God hands him a blank check. "Here you go," He says, "you need reassurance — write this out any way you want to."
Ahaz turns Him down. In a fit of upside down piety, the king declares that he won’t put God to the test. (In essence, Ahaz is assigning evil motives to God’s offer.)
Here’s the point. God knows about the turmoil in our lives. He knows when our faith is wavering. And He knows what it will take to enable us to stand firm in Him.
God might not give you the same offer He gave Ahaz. But He will come through with what you need so that you can overcome.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.