Isaiah 42:16 (NKJV)
16 I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.
One summer, I was working on installing new air conditioning in my house. I am used to working alone. I have been given gifts and talents to do some incredible things. All my life, I have been able to do things that amaze me. Most of the time, I can do them by myself. That is good and bad. Sometimes I try to do things alone that I shouldn’t. One day during the a/c installation, I knew it was a two-man job. I arranged for a friend, whom I have helped often, to help. I got everything set up waiting for him to arrive and get the job going. Around the time scheduled, I got a call that he wasn’t feeling well and would not be coming. I was not happy. All I needed was an extra pair of hands for a little while but now, I was stalled and disappointed. In fact, I was angry. With all the time I invested in others, I sat on the floor of my attic fuming because no one was helping me. It speaks to my baggage of second best.
Yes, I carry baggage. The baggage, which is from the enemy, says no one appreciates me, no one cares, I’m always second best. They just take what I am willing to give when it suits them. I want people to like me so I go out of my way to help others. Realistically, I know that’s not true. In fact, I got calls from my church friends Sue and Joe to see how I am doing. But that doesn’t change the nagging voice which says no one cares. One of the other things is always feeling alone. I always offer to help others but no one is around when I need help. Part of that is my poor skills at asking for help. Our culture teaches us we are supposed to do things on our own. But that is not God’s way. Genesis 2:18 says, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” We were designed to be in community and not by our self. Besides being in relationship with each other, we are to be in relationship with God. He will never leave nor forsake us.
Isaiah tells us that God will lead the blind [us] through the darkness into His light. He will make their paths straight. And He promises to never forsake us. While the rest of the world leaves us hanging, the Lord will never forsake you. That doesn’t mean He will come bodily and hold up the other end of whatever you are working on. But He will make a way.
Something was revealed to me recently. Sometimes I get in a down mood because the evil one chirps in my ear about all that is going wrong. My default model it to turn to “second best” mode, to be offended. But something was different this time. I felt different. I got the sense it was time to lay down the insecurity and do something different. Actually, I heard a voice. He said, “Look to Me!” That changes everything. My disappointment with others no longer has to haunt me. Instead of being disappointed, I can look to Him Who can make the crooked places straight. He will never leave nor forsake me or you! Instead of depending on people, I am to look to Him. Life is going to be different. He will bring blind me into His glorious light. He will be my strength and shield. But here is the best part! He is there for you too. This wasn’t just good news for me. It is good news for you. Join me in looking to Him. He loves you.
Lord, You still speak to Your people today. Thank You for speaking to me. Thank You for letting me know how important I am to You. I am one of Your beloved. There are many of us. Please let others know how much they mean to You as well. Help us to remember to look to You and You only for all our needs knowing that You will provide. In Jesus name I pray!