In the passage today (Isaiah 49:22-26), God says that He will come through in a big way. "Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed." I think of my professional life, and my prayers for writing opportunities. It's looking a little bleak right now, but--hurray!--God says "those who hope in me will not be disappointed."
The passage ends with Him saying, "Then all mankind will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob." This is meant to be a comfort, as if to say, "Of course I'm going to help you. My very name will benefit from it." But then my racing thoughts sprint ahead to Hebrews 11, where God says that some of His faithful have gotten to see God's promises come true, and some have not. We're meant to persevere in the faith anyway. This contradicts the Isaiah passage. And of course it does. All I have to do is look around me. Things don't turn out perfectly just because you're a Christian, and God wants to glorify His name.
How do I reconcile these two opposing messages, both from Scripture? Well, today's message from God still stands: "Those who hope in me will not be disappointed." True, I might not get what I think I want, but nonetheless I will not be disappointed. This is vague (isn't it always?!) but still comforting.
I have to stop asking the question, "What can I get from God?" I have to start trusting in this God who I can't see, and who doesn't make me any specific promises in this life. Inherently I know that self-sacrifice and caring for others is the way to conduct my life. What will I get for behaving this way, through trust in Mr. Silent and Invisible? Peace of heart and mind--a gift that the world cannot give me, but that Jesus Christ can.
Lord, help.
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