Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.
Isaiah 51:14 (NIV)
“The cowering prisoners will soon be set free; they will not die in their dungeon, nor will they lack bread.”
Isaiah 51:14 (MSG)
“The victims will be released before you know it. They’re not going to die. They’re not even going to go hungry.”
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“The [captive] exile will soon be set free, and will not die in the dungeon, nor will his food be lacking.” -AMPLIFIED
“The LORD would shelter and protect His people the same way. Nothing comes to us unless it has first passed through His counsel. “Ask the question again, ‘Where is the fury of the oppressor?’ And the answer comes, it is under the control of God. Even Satan, your fiercest foe, – God created him, God governs him, God can do with him just as he pleases. Then as to that poverty of which you are afraid, it will not come unless God permits it; and if it does come, the Lord can alleviate it.” ~Charles Spurgeon
In yesterday’s text, we found Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, uncovering one of Israel’s comings, they had forgotten who He was, and what He was capable of. They had questioned His abilities in freeing them, and restoring them home. So He reminds them, quite clearly:
“You have forgotten that Yahweh, your Maker, stretched out the skies and laid earth’s firm foundation.
But you live each day constantly worrying, living in fear of your angry oppressor who is bent on your destruction. But their fury cannot touch you!” -Isaiah 51:13 (The Passion Translation)
Remember, God’s question to Israel:
“Why should you live in constant fear of the fury of those who oppress you…” -(God’s Word)
Because, God now promises Israel this:
“In an instant, those who cower in fear and trepidation will be free to go in confidence; they won’t die in chains or suffer from hunger.” -(VOICE)
God says:
“The prisoner will soon be released. Those who have cowered in fear and apprehension will fear no more. They will not die in captivity, as they thought they would. They will not die in chains, and they will not die from starvation.”
God has declared this, and it will be so.
NOTE: The prison or pit represents Babylon. The Israelites had been living in captivity for so long, that they had given up hope that God would ever set them free, and allow them to return home. Once again, we find God reminding them, that He will do what He had promised them, and it would happen soon.
Israel would have done well to remember something that Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, had declared to Moses:
“Do you doubt Me? Do you question My power, that I can do what I’ve said? Just watch—you’ll see what will happen.” -Numbers 11:23 (VOICE)
“Soon, soon you slaves shall be released; dungeon, starvation, and death are not your fate.” -(TLB)
“Meaning, at this very time, when this oppressor is going to wreak his world-wide destruction, is the very time when the Lord will release those who are now bowed down, those who are oppressed. His own people who are in bondage. They’re not going to go down into the pit, in that same destruction that the king of Assyria is orchestrating, they will come out in exodus like Lot did, on the eve of the destruction, come out of the destruction. Neither shall he want for food because that would be a covenant curse. When the Lord delivers them in the exodus, He will also provide for them, food and drink.” ~Avraham Gileadi
Remember back in the last chapter, God asking Israel this:
“Why is it that when I came to visit, no one was there to greet Me; and when I called out for you, no one answered? Do you think My reach insufficient, My power too limited to rescue you? I need only to speak the words and entire oceans will evaporate; rivers will become deserts, leaving fish to stink and die for lack of water.” -Isaiah 50:2 (VOICE)
God wants His people to grasp the fact that nothing is too difficult for Him to do. He is able to keep all of His promises. He has the power and ability to save, deliver, and free them. All they need do is trust Him. In His time and in His way, He will emancipate them.
“Freedom is what we have—Christ has set us free! Stand, then, as free people, and do not allow yourselves to become slaves again.” ~Paul (Galatians 5:1 Good News Translation)
In the book of Jeremiah, chapter 32, we find the prophet declaring to, and reminding, Judah’s king, Zedekiah, of God’s tremendous abilities. In the chapter Jeremiah gives an account to Zedekiah of a prayer he had lifted up to God. In this prayer, Jeremiah reminds God of His mighty abilities.
“Adonai, God! You made heaven and earth by your great power and outstretched arm; nothing is too hard for you. You display your grace to thousands but also repay the guilt of the fathers into the lap of their children who follow them. Great, powerful God, whose name is Adonai-Tzva’ot, great in counsel, mighty in deed! Your eyes are open to all the ways of human beings in order to repay each one according to his ways, according to the consequences of what he does. You gave signs and performed miracles in the land of Egypt which continue to this day, also in Isra’el and among other people; thus you made yourself the reputation you have today.” -Jeremiah 32:17-20 (Complete Jewish Bible)
“‘Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too difficult or too wonderful for You.” -Jeremiah 32:17 (AMP)
“God is able to do what is beyond human expectation.”
~Gift Gugu Mona
My friend, I remind you, nothing is too difficult for our God, nothing. He is able to do more than we could ever ask or think. Remember, His ways are not our ways, but His ways are greater, mightier, more grander than our wildest imaginings. Trust your God to carry forth His promises, in His way, and in His time. He will never let you down. Remember too, He is never too early, and He is never too late. Trust Him!
“NOTHING IS TOO HARD FOR GOD!
Nothing! Absolutely nothing! Your broken relationship is not too hard for God.
Your illness is not too hard for God.
Your loneliness is not too hard for God.
Your broken heart is not too hard for God.
Your doubts are not too hard for God.
Your longings are not too hard for God. Nothing is too hard for Him!” ~Deb Wolf
My Prayer:
Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, your Word reminds me that nothing is too difficult for you. You are the God who is able to keep all of your promises. Lord, I have chosen to trust you with all of my needs. Forgive any of my doubts, and those tendencies towards unbelief. Strengthen my faith in you. Help me to step out, trusting that you are already bringing about the answers to my prayers; knowing that you are already at work, even before I ask. Remind me that you are never too early, and you are definitely never late. You are a good, good Father, and thank you, Lord for your faithfulness to me. I am so blessed. ❤
Growing with God 