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Thursday December 13, 2012 -- Advent Week 2 -- Standing Firm

Thursday December 13, 2012


Today's advent reading tells the story of war and plotting of strategies in the area of Israel and Syria thousands of years ago.  As we watch the news on television these days, we realize that some things never seem to change.  The nations change alliances with each other here and there but trouble and battles and fears repeatedly come and go.  What does all of this have to do with you and me as we approach Christmas?  God's word to His people in the face of imminent attack is a word to us, "This invasion will never happen;  it will never take place ..... unless your faith is firm, I cannot make you stand firm."

This is a season to remember that God is in control.  There is much more going on than what we see in world events, or even in our personal challenges and crises.  God has wonderful plans and purposes.  Even when people fail to live up to the potential God has for them, God will still work out His purposes for those who commit their lives and their path into His care.  For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.  (Psalm 33:9-11 NIV) 

For us to find rest and success in our lives in this fragile and sometimes frightening world, we must continue to have faith in God's ultimate control.  The invitation to us in this Advent season is to reaffirm our trust in God's promises and His ability to bring about His purposes no matter how chaotic things appear to be.  Our choice is to stand firm with God, trusting His vision, trusting His personal care for His people.  When God says that we will not be overwhelmed, He means it. When God says He will make a way where there seems to be no way, He is able to do just that.  During this Advent season, let's welcome Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who lives in us and promises to strengthen us as we follow Him.

When Ahaz, son of Jotham and grandson of Uzziah, was king of Judah, King Rezin of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah, the king of Israel, set out to attack Jerusalem. However, they were unable to carry out their plan.  The news had come to the royal court of Judah: “Syria is allied with Israel against us!” So the hearts of the king and his people trembled with fear, like trees shaking in a storm ....  But this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “This invasion will never happen; it will never take place; for Syria is no stronger than its capital, Damascus, and Damascus is no stronger than its king, Rezin.  As for Israel, within sixty-five years it will be crushed and completely destroyed. Israel is no stronger than its capital, Samaria, and Samaria is no stronger than its king, Pekah son of Remaliah. Unless your faith is firm, I cannot make you stand firm.”  (Isaiah 7:1-9 NLT)

Audio for Thursday December 13, 2012 -- Advent Week 2 -- Standing Firm

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