I’ve fallen a bit behind in my daily reading of the chronological Bible, but I’m in awe of God and His gracious timing. While trying to play catch up, I read through Isaiah 30.

“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and in rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it…’ Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him! O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious He will be when you cry for help! As soon as He hears, He will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” – Isaiah 30:15, 18-21

There is so much packed into these verses! I hope you can make some time to read over them again to see what He highlights for you.

For me, shortly after reading this passage, we drove over a flat tire from a semi on the highway. Our tires were fine, but it ripped apart something on the bottom of our vehicle. Metal clanking beckoned us to pull over and by God’s grace we ended up being near an auto repair shop. This was not part of our plan. We were 2 hours from home, with 7 hours left to travel. I prayed a quick prayer as I ushered my 4 kids into the small waiting room. I asked God to help us, to provide an opening to have the car fixed so we could continue on our journey.

I felt like I was eating the bread of adversity, tasting the water of affliction. This wasn’t just a car problem; it was the grand finale to a rough morning. And yet the verse says some of those trials are given to us by God.

I think they can be opportunities for us to fix our eyes on Him and cry out for His help. As soon as He hears, He answers.

Our kids were angelic in the repair shop as they quietly ate their lunch and enjoyed the air conditioning. The workers were hospitable, and helped to lighten the mood. We were in and out within an hour. And the technician didn’t charge us a penny.

I cried as we drove away, remembering that sometimes we have to go through hard things in order to center again on our Father in Heaven. To see His provision and faithfulness.

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that we were headed to a church conference called “Limitless” – His love has no borders, His grace knows no boundaries. Nothing is impossible for Him.

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14

He’s reminding me that He is the goal – that I am called to press on toward Him. To draw near, to come close. That Jesus is the greatest prize, the best reward.

❤

This week’s song suggestions:

• As You Find Me by Hillsong United
• Miracle by Mosaic MSC