I remember when I was just learning how to swim. The instructor taught us how to swim forward and lift our heads out for air. Then how to float on our backs and swim backward. Then how to dive. First, it was on the low diving board and then to dive from the high dive. Up on the high one, it was a long way down. As I got to the edge, I hesitated but finally got up the nerve to jump over the edge.
This day with God, we are diving into Isaiah 36 and note that Judah was threatened by an invasion from Assyria. The last hope of the fortified cities had been captured. The king of Assyria is now threatening king Hezekiah about taking over the city of Jerusalem. He was mocking their faith in God to deliver them and urged them to surrender.
The king of Assyria offered them prosperity if they surrendered (vv. 16-17). The same tactics are used by our enemy today to devastate us and undermine our faith in God. The enemy wants to mislead us by promising us a better future. The enemy wants us to negotiate, compromise, and eventually get trapped in their deceptive ways.
But we know, the enemy’s promises are deceptive. Fortunately, God’s promises are reliable and are certain. We can build our faith on the rock of the Word. Our faith doesn’t come out of nowhere but comes from work and dedication as we dive into the deep waters and obey God’s orders. We can pray and depend on God’s power instead of our problems.
This day with You God, we have been diving into Your Word. We ask that our eyes be open, along with our ears, heart, and mind to Your Way. May this food for our soul grow our faith. Just a little faith when mixed with Your faithfulness will multiply into something amazing, so today we dive into the deep waters and will obey Your orders with the expectation of great instruction that will help us keep our heads above the water. We are grateful and pray today in Jesus’ name. Amen.
A thought from John 13:36 through 14:11 is that things were cloudy for the disciples at the Last Supper when Jesus said He would be with them for just a little longer and the disciples didn’t completely understand.
In life, things are sometimes cloudy. We don’t completely understand and have a lot of questions, but with faith, we can look up high to gain a vision for the future. We can pray for answers and for God to shine the Light.
Our most precious and valued possession available to us and our greatest power is all found in the person of Jesus. Knowing what Jesus taught and applying what He taught should be our number one priority. If we know Jesus, we know the Father so let us work hard to keep the number one priority our number one. If we are one in Christ, things are not cloudy at all, but clear and bright.
He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. “So, we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” – Hebrews 13:5-6
A main thought from “Way of Holiness” is that you may be filled at times with hopelessness, but you can be encouraged because with God, there is certain victory.
Take inspiration from the song Just A Closer Walk With Thee by Randy Travis. You can boldly step ahead to get through anything. Death has no sting because eternal life is what the Lord does bring. You can take on challenges, step out of the comfort zone, and give God the glory.
We sometimes face situations of weakness, feebleness, and fearfulness. Fortunately, we know about Jesus who gives hope and joy. He’s given believers a way to holiness. God’s plan for us was set in motion and the powers of darkness were defeated. Believers can take on challenges, step out of the comfort zone, and give God the glory.
As we continue the journey through the book of Isaiah today, remember that up until now, the message has been on judgment for rejection of God. The message of Isaiah 35 is the last one before Jerusalem is surrounded by the Assyrian armies. The people of Jerusalem seem to be in a position beyond recovery.
I remember seeing a movie called “The End Times”. [1] At the final confrontation between Satan and God. The movie explains that Jesus will simply speak a few words. No one knows what the words will be but maybe something like “Peace Be Still” and it will be over. Jesus will defeat the army of the Anti-Christ.
In today’s passage, there is encouragement given to the people. At some point, all things will be completely transformed. The planet will be renewed, there will be peace, and things of beauty will cover the earth. The new earth will be formed with the Light of perfect truth, the Light of life, and the joy of everlasting life.
This day with God, we know the way and we can take courage as we step ahead. We may feel hopeless at times, but we are encouraged because with God there is certain victory. We can boldly step ahead following Jesus step by step and one day at a time. Amen.
[1] Amazon Prime Video Directed by Discovery Media Productions. 2006. The End Times
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 
