Tag: Trust in God

God Speaks on Deconstruction

In today’s world, deconstruction has become a common response to the discomfort many feel when confronted with aspects of the Christian faith that challenge modern sensibilities. Often, people begin to question, and eventually reject, core doctrines or moral teachings because they believe God’s ways don’t align with what they perceive to be loving, just, or fair. This mindset assumes that God is somehow flawed, outdated, or wrong—leading people to attempt to remake Him in their own image, according to their own standards.

But this approach is nothing new. In Ezekiel 18:25-29, God directly addresses the Israelites’ complaints that His ways were not just. The people argued that their understanding of justice was superior to God’s, but the Lord responded with a sobering truth: it is not God who is unjust, but humanity that fails to understand His perfect ways.

Ezekiel 18:25-29 (NLT):

“Yet you say, ‘The Lord isn’t doing what’s right!’ Listen to me, O people of Israel. Am I the one not doing what’s right, or is it you? … And yet the people of Israel keep saying, ‘The Lord isn’t doing what’s right!’ O people of Israel, it is you who are not doing what’s right, not I.”

Deconstruction promises a “better” version of God—one who aligns more closely with our own ideals, a deity built in our image rather than the other way around. However, this pursuit is nothing more than a false promise. Instead of leading to greater freedom or understanding, it ultimately leads to confusion and spiritual disillusionment. The tragic irony is that, in attempting to make God more palatable to our modern tastes, we strip away the very essence of who He is—His holiness, justice, and truth.

When we find ourselves at odds with God’s commands or character, the problem isn’t with God; it’s with our limited understanding. The call for every believer is not to reshape the faith to fit our preferences but to submit ourselves to God’s perfect will, trusting that His ways, though often mysterious, are always right.

Deconstruction may offer the allure of a more accommodating faith, but it is a hollow promise. A God remade in our image is powerless to save, transform, or offer the eternal life we seek. Instead, we must cling to the true God, whose ways are higher than our ways and whose thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). Only in Him do we find the fullness of life, grace, and truth.

What Do You Need?

In Daniel 2, Daniel is faced with an impossible task: interpreting King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream without even knowing what the dream was. This situation could have been overwhelming, but instead of panicking, Daniel turned to God. He knew that he didn’t have the ability to interpret the dream on his own, but he also knew that God could provide him with exactly what he needed. Through prayer and seeking God’s wisdom, Daniel was given the insight to interpret the dream accurately, demonstrating that God equips His people with what they need to accomplish His purposes.

Similarly, in Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced the fiery furnace for refusing to worship the golden image. They didn’t know if God would deliver them from the fire, but they knew that He had the power to do so. Their confidence wasn’t in their own abilities but in God’s sovereignty. They trusted that whatever they needed—whether it was deliverance or strength to face martyrdom—God would provide.

These stories remind us that when we face impossible situations or challenges that seem beyond our abilities, we should turn to God. He knows what we need and is faithful to provide it, whether it’s wisdom, strength, or courage. This truth encourages us to rely on God rather than on our own limited resources.

The Surprising Hope Hidden in Isaiah’s Doom and Gloom

Isaiah 24-27, often called the “Apocalypse of Isaiah,” delivers a stern message of global judgment. Nations are brought low, the earth is laid waste, and its inhabitants scattered. This grim portrayal continues into chapter 29, where Jerusalem faces severe consequences for their rebellion. However, nestled within these chapters of destruction are profound messages of hope and redemption.

Isaiah 24 starts with a vision of the earth in chaos: “The earth will be completely laid waste and totally plundered. The Lord has spoken this word” (Isaiah 24:3). The ensuing verses describe a world reeling under divine judgment. Yet, amidst this, Isaiah 25 presents a sudden shift: “Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago” (Isaiah 25:1).

Here, Isaiah acknowledges God’s sovereignty and His faithful plans, even in judgment. He foretells a future where God will “swallow up death forever” and “wipe away the tears from all faces” (Isaiah 25:8). This profound promise points to a time of ultimate redemption, offering hope amid despair.

Isaiah 26 continues with a song of trust: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3). Despite the trials, those who trust in God are promised perfect peace. This peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of God in the midst of it.

Isaiah 27 brings the promise of restoration: “In days to come Jacob will take root, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit” (Isaiah 27:6). This prophecy speaks of a restored Israel, flourishing and fruitful. It is a reminder that God’s judgment is not an end but a means to bring about repentance and renewal.

Isaiah 29 returns to the theme of judgment, focusing on Jerusalem. The city faces severe consequences for their hypocrisy and spiritual blindness. “The Lord has brought over you a deep sleep: He has sealed your eyes (the prophets); he has covered your heads (the seers)” (Isaiah 29:10). Yet, even here, God promises a future transformation: “Once more the humble will rejoice in the Lord; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 29:19).

God’s discipline is always paired with His grace. The call to awaken from spiritual complacency is a call to return to God, who is ever ready to restore and bless.

How often do we find ourselves overwhelmed by the chaos in our lives? Like the nations in Isaiah’s prophecy, we might face situations that seem insurmountable. But these chapters remind us that God is in control. His plans, though sometimes involving discipline, are ultimately for our good.

When we are in the midst of life’s storms, it is easy to focus on the immediate chaos rather than the overarching sovereignty of God. Isaiah invites us to lift our eyes from our troubles to the One who holds our future.

Personal Reflection:

Are you currently facing a situation that feels overwhelming?
How can you shift your focus from the problem to the promise of God’s presence and peace?
In what ways can you cultivate a trust in God’s plan, even when it involves discipline?

Remember, God’s judgment is never devoid of His mercy. He disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6), and His ultimate aim is our restoration and flourishing.

The Shocking Truth About Why We’re Struggling—And the One Thing We Keep Overlooking!

Isaiah 18-23 predicts doom and gloom for many nations including Egypt, Ethiopia, Edom, Arabia, and even Jerusalem. What I found interesting is how all these nations have nowhere to run and nowhere to hide… except Jerusalem. They are the chosen nation of the Most High God, the God who is bringing the calamity, and yet they do not turn to Him. What?? You have access to the greatest trump card anyone could ever draw and yet you leave it on the table?

How often do we end up in a bind, and instead of looking UP to God, we look IN to ourselves? When the chips are really down, why do we try to go it alone? My God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, so why would I go to someone else for the things that really matter? He has every resource we need!

So if you’re facing financial difficulties, struggling with health issues, dealing with relationship problems, or feeling overwhelmed by work or school, then lift your eyes to the mountains, where your help comes from (Psalm 121:1-2). Trust in the Lord, for He is our ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).