Read: Isaiah 40-44
In Isaiah chapter 40, we read that God provides comfort for His people. God is good, He is true, and He is always with us. He always has been, and He always will be.
“… the word of our God endures forever.” -Isaiah 40:8
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” -John 1:1
God loves us! He is our Creator and Maker. We read multiple times throughout these passages that He made us, created us, and knit us together. God gives us what we need when we need it, even though at times it may not feel like it.
I have been trying, especially for the last ten years or so, to pray according to God’s plan and not my own personal wants and needs. I also pray for understanding. Obviously, we are not God and cannot understand on His level or know His ultimate plan, but I ask Him to help bring light to things and allow me to see the goodness and glory in them; even when they are not what I necessarily wanted or how I perfectly imagined or pictured everything to be.
God also tells us not to fear. Over 100 times in the Bible, we are told not to be afraid, for God is with us always. Put your faith, hope, and trust in the Lord; no pixie dust needed!
“… I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” -Isaiah 41:9–10
“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid … do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One … -Isaiah 41:13–14
“… those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” -Isaiah 40:31
“… because I love you …” -Isaiah 43:4
God is the Creator and Maker of everything. He always has been and always will be. In chapter 40, God Himself asks whom we should compare Him to. He is incomparable, and this is why no other idols or gods can stand against Him. He formed each of us and laid a path out for us from the beginning of creation and continued it until the day He calls us home. His plan was always set. He loves us through everything.
It can be hard to understand Christianity because who can even fathom something so powerful and remarkable? We have nothing else to compare God to. We cannot fully comprehend His reality here on earth.
“… the glory of the Lord will be revealed …” -Isaiah 40:5
“‘To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?’ says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name …” -Isaiah 40:25–26
“… The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” -Isaiah 40:28–29
God is clear about how we can get to heaven. You don’t need to be perfect, and you are never too far gone. Even if you strayed far away from the path that God has planned for your life, it can be a part of your testimony and turned to good and purpose. God still loves you and wants you in heaven.
God is the only God. There is no other way to get to heaven except through Him. Having a relationship with Him might not be the easiest mental or emotional thing you ever do, but it is so worth it. He is willing and ready to save you from all of your sins, wrongdoings, and transgressions. He wants you in heaven because the alternative is an eternity burning and suffering in hell.
Some people say, “What if God isn’t real and Christians are just wasting their time?” Even if someone were to believe that, the light that comes into your life from a relationship with Him is incredible. And personally, I would rather live believing and be wrong with nothing happening, than reject Him and be wrong for eternity. But I believe He is real. And if He is, and He says He is, then eternity matters.
“I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior.” -Isaiah 43:11
“… I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.” -Isaiah 44:6
“… Is there any other God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.” -Isaiah 44:8
Discussion Questions
- Isaiah emphasizes that God alone is Savior (Isaiah 43:11). Why do you think people, or even yourself, struggle with the idea that there is only one way to salvation?
- In Isaiah 43:4, God says, “because I love you.” Take a moment to pause and reflect on God’s personal love for you.
Connect with the Author
A Note from the Author
Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about the Bible verse studies, devotionals, and prayers that I put together. While I strive to offer meaningful insights and reflections, it’s important to clarify that I am not a trained or licensed biblical professional. My goal is not to provide expert theological advice but to share my personal knowledge, beliefs, and experiences as I read and reflect on the Holy Bible.
The insights I offer come from my own understanding and spiritual journey. I approach these reflections with the intention of sharing what personally resonates with me, what I’ve learned through my own study of Scripture, and what the Holy Spirit is sharing through me. I hope these thoughts are helpful and encouraging, but they are based on my personal perspective rather than formal theological training.
This specific Bible study is based off the book A Beautiful Year in the Bible The 52-Week Bible Study for Women by a series of wonderful authors Copyrighted by Alabaster Creative Inc. I do not own the rights to this book and am not claiming to. I am using the book to create my own version of the Bible in 365 days and continue to direct God’s word towards women, more specifically mothers.
Thank you for your understanding and for joining me in this journey of faith and reflection.
Blessings,
Maria Wilcoxon
*The header image is not mine and was taken from Pinterest
Leave a comment