[:en]SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 54
“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes” (Isaiah 54:2)
“Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. For your Maker is your husband – the Lord Almighty is his name – the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth” (Isaiah 54:4-5)
“For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back. In a surge of anger, I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness, I will have compassion on you” says the Lord your Redeemer” (Isaiah 54:7-8)
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed: says the Lord, who has compassion on you” (Isaiah 54:10)
THE FUTURE GLORY OF ZION
When trials and suffering ended, Israel will be restored. God will make many wonderful changes:
- Barren woman will have children (v. 1)
- Their descendants will dispose nations and settle in their desolate cities. (v. 3)
- They will forget the shame of their youth and not remember the reproach of widowhood. (v. 4)
- They will be comforted and protected. (v. 11)
- Their sons will be taught by the Lord and enjoy peace. (v. 13)
- Terror will be removed from them (v. 14)
- Their attacher will surrender to them (v. 14)
- No weapon can forge against them and they will refute any tongue that accuse them. (v. 17)
God uses chastening to make you grow. Times of sorrow and suffering are painful but they give birth to blessings and joy. Storms may afflict you but God will polish you and make you become sparkling jewels and precious stones. It is painful to go through the furnace of fire, but God will enable you to become stronger and a better tool for His glory.[:]