By Mark Swaim
The prophecy of Isaiah was written, in part, to teach us that in times of crisis, a believer must trust in the Lord. This message is central in chapters 1–35 of Isaiah, where God shows how His people were guilty of rebellion and sin, putting their trust in idols and political alliances rather than in God.
This same message is the focus of Isaiah 36–39, where we read about King Hezekiah, who was under threat from Sennacherib, the Assyrian king. Faced with the possibility of being conquered, Hezekiah had to think about where he would place his trust.
In the final section, Isaiah 40–66, Isaiah writes about the Lord’s Servant and how He is far greater than any idol and more reliable than any political alliance. He is faithful, compassionate, merciful, and sacrificial—a true and genuine Savior in whom men and women can find their confidence and put their trust.
Isaiah predicted the coming Babylonian captivity and all the upheaval it would cause (Isaiah 39:6). And, a century later, the prediction became a reality. The invading army came, bringing destruction and despair, upending lives and families, and causing anxiety and fear. For the people of God, their whole way of life—its traditions, culture, and religious activities—ceased to exist. They faced an uncertain future in an uncertain place.
The Bible tells us to remember our Creator now, in our younger days, before the difficult days come—because the difficult days, the times of crisis, will come (Ecclesiastes 12:1). And, if we have not learned to trust in God during the good times, then we will find it hard to trust Him in the difficult times.
In Isaiah 41, we read how God can transform circumstances. He knows what He is doing. He is in control (Isaiah 41:4). In verse 9, we learn that God reminded His oppressed people that He had chosen them and they belonged to Him and would not be forgotten. Despite the crisis they were facing, God was there, orchestrating the end as He had the beginning.
Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Here, we find God’s promise to deliver Israel and to be with the people amid their trial, to strengthen and help them.
God’s promises are a great source of comfort. They remain as true today as in biblical times:
• “As your days, so shall your strength be.” (Deuteronomy 33:25)
• “My grace is sufficient for you.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
• “Fear not, for I am with you. . . . I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:10)
• “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5; Genesis 28:15; Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:5)
So many promises in God’s Word comfort us when comfort is needed. He is the almighty God, yet He is gentle with His lambs. As a Shepherd, He is the one who goes before us (John 10:4). And, if the Lord has not forgotten even a sparrow, He certainly has not forgotten you (Matthew 10:29–31). He has His eye on you (Psalm 32:8).
On the throne is a great High Priest, and His invitation to boldly approach Him is still valid (Hebrews 4:16). There, He promises to be merciful and gracious with us (Hebrews 8:12).
We cannot always understand why God allows difficult times in our lives. But we can trust that He has a purpose and plan that goes far beyond what our human eyes and understanding can imagine. Isaiah hoped in the Lord (Isaiah 8:17). David trusted in Him (2 Samuel 22:3). May the Lord help us, when under the weight of crushing trials, to stand firm in our resolve to trust in Him with all our heart, choosing not to lean on or trust in our own understanding. Instead, may we acknowledge Him in all our ways (Proverbs 3:5–6). And, in the coming ages of eternity, the trials we endured will have their purposes made known. n
Mark Swaim serves in Poland (Other Overseas Service).
Originally published in Missions magazine, December 2023. For more content, sign up for a free subscription (US) to Missions at CMML.us/magazine/subscribe.
