When the Going Gets Rough

“Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the LORD, and the justice due me escapes the notice of my God’? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired, and His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.”
Isaiah 40:27-31

“Why do you say...‘My way hidden from the LORD, and the justice due me escapes the notice of my God’?” (verse 27). Have you ever felt like voicing those same complaints? Have you ever felt your circumstances are entirely unique, never experienced by others, and unnoticed by God?

Isaiah delivered his prophecies about 2,700 years ago, and today they resound with the truest of human emotion and thought. He skillfully expressed a common misgiving of the people of God and then with absolute clarity indicated the character of God in His response to unbelief.

Most of us will be honest enough to admit to times of misgiving concerning our faith in God and in His Word. What really matters though is the condition of our faith once we emerge from a difficult situation. For those who are enjoying “clear sailing,” the words of Isaiah in verses 29-31 of chapter 40 are nice sounding promises; but for those facing an icy, angry wind at sea, those are more that mere words - they are life itself.

Through these verses, allow yourself to get a clearer view of Who God is and what He offers to you when the going gets rough. Times of affliction often provide sweet experiences in the love of God.