Friday, November 20 2020 Devotional

"When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them."

‭‭Isaiah 41:17

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to God’s people, particularly to what the Bible calls the “remnant” among His people; the chosen ones who are faithful to Him, who believe His Word. He assures us that when we are poor and needy, God will answer us and take care of us.

Sometimes by God’s blessing we prosper, and that’s wonderful. Often when the world’s economy is falling apart, God’s people will prosper, because we make our decisions according to the Wisdom of God’s Word, and He blesses us. Sometimes in His mercy He even prospers us in spite of bad decisions we’ve made.

On the other hand, it is often the lot of the faithful to live at a lower economic level than we might if we had chosen to live the World’s way, precisely because, out of faithfulness to God’s Word, we often make choices that don’t necessarily result in material prosperity.

It doesn’t really matter; either way is good. When the Lord prospers us and we become wealthy, we are called to use His material blessings in accordance with His Word: to charitably remember the poor and to not let wealth become our god. When our choices in faithfulness to God and His Word cause us to take losses and even to become poor and needy, He has promised to hear our prayers and provide for our needs.

God is faithful, no matter what the World is doing. Keep your eyes on Him and seek to live in the way that pleases Him, and trust Him with the outcome. After all, this life is short and eternity awaits.

Father, Your promises are always before me, and Your call to trust You and be faithful is always the same. Help me to keep my eyes on you in poverty or in wealth, in sickness or in health. You are the Lord, the Provider for Your people, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles