Hardship and suffering are stranger to no one after the year 2020. Life has never felt more fleeting than during the moments where a loved one is lost. Suffering is also not a stranger to Scripture. The people of Israel certainly knew about suffering, but what was constant was that God never abandoned them.
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” – Isaiah 43:18-19
This passage contains words from God to the Israelites as they were ending their exile in Babylon. Although they sinned, God was showing them that there is a special place for hope in the restorative work he had in store. The Israelites knew all about the wilderness and the desert, lots of tough history to recount for them there. At the same time, they also knew what salvation from the Lord looked like. God was coming again to save his people from oppression by their enemies that they had deserved for their unfaithfulness. Still God says remember not the former things… He saves Israel and you and I benefit from this historic moment.
God’s relationship to Israel is often a mirror of his relationship with us. We become oppressed by sin or hardship and we search for relief every chance we get. God’s view of suffering is different than ours. He is always “doing a new thing”- a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. As believers our normal should be to perceive the new things God is doing. The revival that can spring forth at any moment is up to the Lord and as a result our faith is intensified through every experience.
If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and savior, rest. Allow Scripture to refresh your spirit and dwell on the Lord’s faithfulness. God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He will never abandon us.
-Eva Topete (Youth Leader)