Dr. Lawrence Butler, The Bridge Church, Pembroke

Corrie Ten Boom was a World War II hero. She and her family hid Jewish refugees from the Nazis during the war, saving an estimated 800 people. She was betrayed, taken captive and sent to Ravensbruck concentration camp. She survived the camp and was released by clerical error, then traveled the world as a Christian evangelist.

Read her words and unveil the truth as it pertains to you. “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows; it empties today of its strength.” Listen to the promise of God to you from Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Don’t give up before God helps you.

Trust His Grace.

The prophet Isaiah was used by the Lord to encourage many people in trouble. He was able to do this only after entering the presence of the Lord God Almighty in a unique manner as recorded in chapter 6.

We find in chapter 7 of his book where the king of Judah was under attack during the Syro-Ephraimite War (734-732 BC). There are two kingdoms listed, Syria and Israel (under King Pekah, son of Remaliah), who were coming against Judah to destroy it. Ephraim and Judah were brothers, so when these kingdoms were fighting, they were battling family. One of the worst things we experience in life surely must be family fights.

How different it is in Isaiah’s family as reflected in Isaiah 7:3. Here the Lord tells the prophet to deliver a word of hope and victory to the king of Judah, but also tells him to take his son with him. God loves families, and if you desire to enjoy the fullest of God’s blessing on your life, bring your family along as you worship and serve the Lord.