Isaiah - Verse By Verse | Isaiah

Isaiah - Day 129

versebyverse | October 19, 2008 13:51

Scripture: Isaiah 7:9 (NIV): " 'The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is only Remaliah's son. If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.' "

Thought: To me, we often fear what "men" can do to us when we should be "fearing" the Lord.

Question: Am I standing firm in my faith?

These are only "men." The enemy is not so strong. Believe that there is another stronger force (God) Who decides who falls and who stands. Keep that faith.

In James 4:7 we are told to do two things: 1) submit to God and 2) resist the devil. We learn through James that when we do resist the devil he will turn tail and run away. To me, this verse in Isaiah is saying the same thing: "If you do not stand firm in your faith" ("submit to God"), "you will not stand at all" ("resist the devil.") You will fall into Satan's grasp and into his intentions. You will lose your upright position with God.

Isaiah calls Ahaz to faith. In opposition to faith would come unbelief. Ahaz needs to believe God will support him, defend him, help him and bring victory. Our part in keeping faith also involves not yielding up any "ground" for Satan, where a foothold can be created against God. Footholds for Satan are often begun in fear.

Prayer: God of Love, cast out my fear! Strengthen my unbelief! Conquer my doubts! Help me to stand firm in my faith in Christ, I pray. Amen.