“And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.” (Isaiah 42:16, ESV)
After suffering from sin, then war, then exile, the people of Israel were beaten down sixth centuries before Christ. The Temple was in shambles. The city of Jerusalem lay in ruins. At that terrible point in Israel’s history, Isaiah offered up the words above. Isaiah wanted Judah and Israel to follow God’s will no matter what they faced.
Isaiah knew that following God’s will during that terrible time would require faithful walks into the unknown. Faithful exiles would have to trek back to the holy land. Those who suffered through war needed to find a way to rebuild their lives. There would be food shortages. There would be dangers. The road behind was littered with failures. The road ahead was full of frightening “what-ifs”. Nothing was assured, except that God “would not forsake them” (Isaiah 42:16).
Among the promises Isaiah gave to the people of Israel was that God would “lead the blind in a way they do not know”. God would guide the faithful in new ways, down new paths. Though God knew what was ahead, the people of Israel did not. It was a frightening scenario in which the faithful were blind to the future, trusting in God while traveling toward an era that was fraught with peril. Isaiah explained that not only would God guide them, but God would “turn their darkness into light”, ease their “rough places”, and “not forsake them”. Despite being in unfamiliar territory and in danger, God would walk with them and protect them.
It is never easy to step out into the unknown. I’m sure there have been times that you felt like those Israelites in the days of Isaiah. Have you ever faced an uncertain path or unclear direction? Did you ever pray for God to lead the way, guide your feet, or illuminate the right path for you to follow? In a comment on the scripture for today, Rev. Charles Stanley noted that this scripture displays “the essence of the call of faith. The Father bids you to do the unfamiliar or to go in a direction that is untried. Just remember, if the way were known to you – if you could handle it on your own strength and wisdom – this would not be a step of faith for you…” (p. 21, Every Day in His Presence).
There will be times when God needs you to take a leap of faith, a step into unknown territory, a path that is unknown to you. In those moments, it will be unveiled whether you trust God or not. Your actions and obedience will shine a light on the depth of your faith in God. Do you have the ability and desire to follow God even when you don’t have all the answers? Can you trust in God even while you feel lost or alone?
The story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early 1800s serves as a powerful reminder of trusting God’s guidance. Faced with uncharted territories, they ventured into the great unknown, relying on limited information and their faith in God. Though they encountered numerous challenges, they discovered breathtaking landscapes and opportunities. Their actions paved the way for many in the centuries to come. This expedition illustrates how, like those explorers, you too must trust God as you navigate through life’s uncertainties, relying on His leading even when the way is unclear. Others in the future will be inspired by your willingness to tackle the unknown with a complete trust in God’s grace. They will notice how you react when you don’t have all the answers and are relying on God’s guidance.
Many years ago, a young friend came to speak with me. He felt God was calling him into the missionary field in Africa. Part of him didn’t want to go. He didn’t know anything about Africa! He had never been there. He didn’t even know one person who was born in Africa. At first, the young friend questioned God’s direction. Surely, God would want someone else with more training and education and experience to go! But God would not let him off the hook. Then, he came to visit me, spewing all sorts of reasons why leaving for Africa would be a bad idea. Finally, I said to him, “Can God watch over you in Indiana?”
“Yes,” he replied.
“Are you saying God can’t watch over you in Africa?”
“No!” he replied.
I challenged him with these words: “Well, it sounds to me like you are trusting God to take care of you in Indiana but not in Africa, why?”
That question silenced him for minutes. After deep thought, he replied, “If God wants me to go to Africa on a mission, I will go to Africa!” And he did. He went not knowing what lay ahead, but certain God was the one who called him to go!
Are you willing to follow God into the unknown in your life and future? How much do you really trust God? Today’s scripture should remind you that there will be times when God needs you to follow Him into uncharted territory. You need to be obedient to God even when you don’t have all the facts or all the answers. Isaiah made sure to remind the people of Israel that God “would not forsake them”. They just need to follow God directions in faithful obedience…..
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Loving God, I pray that I may always follow your lead. I hope that my faithfulness is secure. I desire greatly to be obedient when the road ahead is unclear.
Heavenly Father, I know You can see the way forward. You know what temptations and blessings lie further down the road of life. May I trust in You when my judgment is clouded. May I grasp tightly to the teachings of my Lord Jesus when doubts linger and dread looms.
Almighty God, keep me at the center of Your will. Remind me to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
I offer up to Heaven the names of those who need direction today. Their names are _____________. Some are stumbling and failing. Some are fearful. Others are mired in sin. A few have lost their way. All need to heed Your voice and trust in Your grace.
Hear my prayer blessed Father! Keep my way grounded in Your truth. Save me when I falter! Amen.
Isaiah knew that following God’s will during that terrible time would require faithful walks into the unknown. Faithful exiles would have to trek back to the holy land. Those who suffered through war needed to find a way to rebuild their lives. There would be food shortages. There would be dangers. The road behind was littered with failures. The road ahead was full of frightening “what-ifs”. Nothing was assured, except that God “would not forsake them” (Isaiah 42:16).
Among the promises Isaiah gave to the people of Israel was that God would “lead the blind in a way they do not know”. God would guide the faithful in new ways, down new paths. Though God knew what was ahead, the people of Israel did not. It was a frightening scenario in which the faithful were blind to the future, trusting in God while traveling toward an era that was fraught with peril. Isaiah explained that not only would God guide them, but God would “turn their darkness into light”, ease their “rough places”, and “not forsake them”. Despite being in unfamiliar territory and in danger, God would walk with them and protect them.
It is never easy to step out into the unknown. I’m sure there have been times that you felt like those Israelites in the days of Isaiah. Have you ever faced an uncertain path or unclear direction? Did you ever pray for God to lead the way, guide your feet, or illuminate the right path for you to follow? In a comment on the scripture for today, Rev. Charles Stanley noted that this scripture displays “the essence of the call of faith. The Father bids you to do the unfamiliar or to go in a direction that is untried. Just remember, if the way were known to you – if you could handle it on your own strength and wisdom – this would not be a step of faith for you…” (p. 21, Every Day in His Presence).
There will be times when God needs you to take a leap of faith, a step into unknown territory, a path that is unknown to you. In those moments, it will be unveiled whether you trust God or not. Your actions and obedience will shine a light on the depth of your faith in God. Do you have the ability and desire to follow God even when you don’t have all the answers? Can you trust in God even while you feel lost or alone?
The story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early 1800s serves as a powerful reminder of trusting God’s guidance. Faced with uncharted territories, they ventured into the great unknown, relying on limited information and their faith in God. Though they encountered numerous challenges, they discovered breathtaking landscapes and opportunities. Their actions paved the way for many in the centuries to come. This expedition illustrates how, like those explorers, you too must trust God as you navigate through life’s uncertainties, relying on His leading even when the way is unclear. Others in the future will be inspired by your willingness to tackle the unknown with a complete trust in God’s grace. They will notice how you react when you don’t have all the answers and are relying on God’s guidance.
Many years ago, a young friend came to speak with me. He felt God was calling him into the missionary field in Africa. Part of him didn’t want to go. He didn’t know anything about Africa! He had never been there. He didn’t even know one person who was born in Africa. At first, the young friend questioned God’s direction. Surely, God would want someone else with more training and education and experience to go! But God would not let him off the hook. Then, he came to visit me, spewing all sorts of reasons why leaving for Africa would be a bad idea. Finally, I said to him, “Can God watch over you in Indiana?”
“Yes,” he replied.
“Are you saying God can’t watch over you in Africa?”
“No!” he replied.
I challenged him with these words: “Well, it sounds to me like you are trusting God to take care of you in Indiana but not in Africa, why?”
That question silenced him for minutes. After deep thought, he replied, “If God wants me to go to Africa on a mission, I will go to Africa!” And he did. He went not knowing what lay ahead, but certain God was the one who called him to go!
Are you willing to follow God into the unknown in your life and future? How much do you really trust God? Today’s scripture should remind you that there will be times when God needs you to follow Him into uncharted territory. You need to be obedient to God even when you don’t have all the facts or all the answers. Isaiah made sure to remind the people of Israel that God “would not forsake them”. They just need to follow God directions in faithful obedience…..
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Loving God, I pray that I may always follow your lead. I hope that my faithfulness is secure. I desire greatly to be obedient when the road ahead is unclear.
Heavenly Father, I know You can see the way forward. You know what temptations and blessings lie further down the road of life. May I trust in You when my judgment is clouded. May I grasp tightly to the teachings of my Lord Jesus when doubts linger and dread looms.
Almighty God, keep me at the center of Your will. Remind me to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
I offer up to Heaven the names of those who need direction today. Their names are _____________. Some are stumbling and failing. Some are fearful. Others are mired in sin. A few have lost their way. All need to heed Your voice and trust in Your grace.
Hear my prayer blessed Father! Keep my way grounded in Your truth. Save me when I falter! Amen.