Together in Christ: 'I Will Never Abandon Them!' — Isaiah 41:17-20

Friday, August 18, 2023

[The Lord said this to His people:] "When the poor and needy search for water and there is none, and their tongues are parched from thirst, then I, the Lord, will answer them. I, the God of Israel, will never abandon them. I will open up rivers for them on the high plateaus. I will give them fountains of water in the valleys. I will fill the desert with pools of water. Rivers fed by springs will flow across the parched ground. I will plant trees in the barren desert — cedar, acacia, myrtle, olive, cypress, fir, and pine. I am doing this so all who see this miracle will understand what it means — that it is the Lord who has done this, the Holy One of Israel who created it."
— Isaiah 41:17-20 NLT

Key Thought

Do you believe God can still do miracles? I sure do. I've seen the Almighty at work doing His great work in the lives of people to reclaim, redeem, and restore them emotionally, spiritually, and physically. I've seen Him take ordinary people and do extraordinary things through them. I have seen His right-on-time grace displayed to people, families, missionaries, and churches.

Isaiah had prophesied destruction for Israel because of the people's refusal to repent and turn from the wickedness, corruption, and injustice. But, Isaiah emphasized that God's punishment didn't mean His abandonment. The Almighty was at work to reclaim, redeem, and restore His people emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Jesus' grace and the Holy Spirit within us guarantee that we will never be forsaken or forgotten or separated from God. [1] If we are in difficult times and feel like giving up, the Lord of Hosts, God Almighty, wants us to hang onto our faith. The Lord calls you to trust He will bring you through your crises and ultimately bring you home to Him. Don't despair, but look back at the history of God and His people and know that He delivers what He promises and that it is worth hanging on in faith. As the apostle Paul said:

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. [2]

That glorious deliverance will show "that the Lord who has done this"! Whether this great day occurs on this side or the other of Jesus' coming in glory, it is coming. Because we are joined with Jesus, we are bound for glory. [3] A time is coming when all will acknowledge the glory of our Savior. Every knee will bow to honor Jesus' glorious appearing. [4]

[1] Romans 8:32-39; Hebrews 13:5-6.
[2] Romans 8:18–19.
[3] Colossians 3:1-4.
[4] Philippians 2:9-11; Romans 14:11; Titus 2:12-13; 1 Peter 5:4.

Today's Prayer

Dearest Father, the almighty God, I come to You in humility and earnest concern for my brothers and sisters facing trial, suffering, persecution, and martyrdom. Please show Your mighty hand of deliverance to them. Pour out Your Holy Spirit to strengthen and encourage them. Strengthen their faith, empower their courage, and embolden their testimony. Uphold their convictions and reveal Yourself and do "this so all who see this miracle will understand what it means": You are the Lord who never abandons His people. I ask this in the name of Christ Jesus, the King of glory. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 8:32-39
  • Hebrews 13:5-6; 1 John 4:4

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Illustration

Illustration of Isaiah 41:17-20 NLT — [The Lord said this to His people:] "When the poor and needy search for water and there is none, and their tongues are parched from thirst, then I, the Lord, will answer them. I, the God of Israel, will never abandon them. I will open up rivers for them on the high plateaus. I will give them fountains of water in the valleys. I will fill the desert with pools of water. Rivers fed by springs will flow across the parched ground. I will plant trees in the barren desert — cedar, acacia, myrtle, olive, cypress, fir, and pine. I am doing this so all who see this miracle will understand what it means — that it is the Lord who has done this, the Holy One of Israel who created it."

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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