GOD WILL MAKE A WAY (2)

“Thus says the Lord, WHO MAKES A WAY in the sea and a path through the mighty waters” – Isaiah 43:16

However impossible or gloomy the future may seem, GOD WILL MAKE A WAY: “I am the LORD, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel your King.” Thus says the Lord, WHO MAKES A WAY in the sea and a path through the mighty waters” (Isa.43: 15-16). Many times in the Scriptures and at challenging junctions in our lives, God manifests Himself as the God who makes a way. Yesterday, we meditated on Moses’ story. Today, we’re examining Isaiah’s prophetic message.

In many passages in Isaiah, the prophet foresaw a time of great difficulty for the Israelites, when they would be taken from the homeland and exiled in foreign countries, as captives to their enemies. Historically, this was fulfilled in the Babylonian exile in 586 BC. With their home and temple destroyed, and as the years in exile turned to decades, the burning questions in their hearts were: “Is the situation hopeless? Is there a way out of this impossible and difficult time?” Praise God! He stepped in and assured a people feeling completely hopeless, whose faith was reaching breaking point: “I will make a Way!

In reaffirming His promise, God reintroduced Himself to Israel: “I am the LORD, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King” (v.15). He is YAHWEH – the Great I AM – the self-existent God! He is the Creator of Israel. They didn't come into being by accident, but through the plan and purpose of the eternal God. He was saying to them: “I created you. You are mine. I cannot forget or abandon you!” (vv.1-5). Then He told them He is their King; greater than Babylon’s king! Beloved, have you been feeling like the Israelites were? Have you taken your eyes off the Lord and onto your situation? Are life’s challenges beclouding your perception of God’s Presence? Have you forgotten that He who is on your side is the eternal, all-powerful, ever-present God who makes a way? Israel had forgotten, hence the reminder that.

God reminded the people that He makes a Way through the sea and a path through mighty waters (v.16). He recalled a similar event in their past, when it seemed like there was no way forward: the time of the exodus from Egypt when the Israelites faced imminent death (Exo.14). It is always good, when faced with great uncertainly, to remember how God has led us thus far. It might have been a rough and bumpy road but we can recall times when God graciously spoke direction, gave comfort, granted courage, and strengthened our inner being to pull us through. Let us not be like rebels: “Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; they did not remember the multitude of Your mercies, but rebelled by the sea – the Red Sea. Nevertheless He saved them for His name’s sake, that He might make His mighty power known” (Psa.106: 7-8).

No doubt, following our God-designed path in life can lead through mighty, turbulent waters, especially if God desires to use us to help others. If we are to comfort others we first must have been comforted (2Cor. 1:3-4). We must face the waters (and sometimes the fires) at some stage in life: “WHEN you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. WHEN you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you” (Isa.43:2). Not IF, but WHEN. But praise God that He also adds that “I will be with you!” That makes all the difference.