“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” -Isaiah 41:10 NLT

The people of God have been scattered everywhere. The Lord has not forgotten them. Kings and nations in whose land God’s people live are making, assembling, and putting their trust in man-made idols. Kings of nations are bewildered at how it is these scattered people of God are being brought back home. Armies are being defeated. For those following God, when all seems lost, they are being set free, as God is calling them back home. God is making it very clear, that it is by His power, and His power alone, that this is happening.

This is the story of Isaiah 41. God is the one calling His people back home.

Reflection

Many had never been home. They were born in a foreign land and had only heard stories handed down from one generation to the next. Now, God was calling them back home. Uprooting them from a way of life they had established in a foreign land with man-made idols.

Over the past few years, I have walked closely with many where God was calling them back home. It is a place they have read about and imagined, yet it is only known through their faith in God, the bible, and the confirmation of the Holy Spirit.

Through the many efforts of people to keep them here, when God calls someone back home, they are going. The journey is challenging, to say the least. Letting go of a cultivated life in Christ here is always hard. Love runs deep with family and friends. Traditions are rich and meaningful. We have designed a life where we are confident in many things.

Yet, when God calls one back home, there is often a longing that travels with it. A new sense of adventure. A readiness to be done with life where it is currently being lived out is replaced with God calling one back home to be with Him forever in this new and amazing place, He has brought them to.

Be confident. God is the one calling His people back home!

Encouragement

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” These are the encouraging words of God for people God is uprooting from the life they have known and calling them back home to a place and life they have only heard about.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for calling Your people home. Thank You for providing for them every step of the way. Thank You for reminding us to guard against discouragement in the journey. Thank You for the affirmation of Your ability to accomplish this, according to Your will.

In Jesus’ name, we pray,

Amen

Ed McDowell, CEO, Warm Beach Camp Ministries