Nathalie Corniel, GFC Waters

Isaiah 55:12-13 (NIV)

"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace, the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.”

As I have spoken with others I have come to realize we all have our struggles. Many have shared with me stories of the burdens they are carrying. Someone dealing with a depressed child, or a loved one battling cancer. There are many recovering from COVID-19 and are now enduring other health complications. These situations can easily bring us to a place of despair. We may wonder where God is in this mess? In my mess? We may even ask God how we have contributed to our situations.

There is an enemy that is working against us. He desires to steal, kill and destroy... our peace, joy, and relationship with God. I think of the story of Job in the Old Testament. How he suffered and endured as Satan worked in the background to destroy him.

We need to know that our story does not end in despair. We need to hold on to the truth of God’s word, and trust that He is committed to us forever! His word does not come back void! He is our HOPE in the midst of our biggest discouragement, despair or fears.

Isaiah 55:13 gives me so much hope and I pray that it does the same for you. “Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow. Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up. These events will bring great honor to the Lord’s name; they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love.”

Yes we suffer but for a moment. God promised that He would see through the darkest of nights.