The Process of Overcoming

“See, it is I who created the blacksmith
who fans the coals into flame
and forges a weapon fit for its work.
And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc;
no weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
and this is their vindication from me,”
declares the Lord. – Isaiah 54:16-17

 

Sometimes you have the thought, “Lord, why is this happening now?” Some events in our lives can be so inconvenient to the narrative we’ve mapped out for ourselves that they cause us to throw up our hands and say, “I quit!” Then there are those seasons where it seems like it’s one thing after another that rises up against you, diverting your attention from the work God is accomplishing in you. These annoyances come in all varieties and forms – discrimination, liars, haters, troublemakers, and the like.

 

These attacks come at home, on the job, among associates, and even within the church! As adopted children of God, we’re not exempt from the foolishness that impacts us, but we have been given tools to combat those things, along with the greatest combatant – God, himself.

 

God reminds us in this text that HE created everything – even the things, people, and situations that vex us the most. Even as the Creator of all things, those weapons/tools God created will not defeat us – and as for those who run their mouths trying to trash us, God will deal with them, as well.

 

This morning’s prayer: God, thank you for the blacksmiths in our lives, as the blacksmith is also your creation. We thank you, because despite the motive, you keep us and promised that the work of the blacksmith would not destroy us. Increase our strength today and every day, that we discern his work and readily identify his tools, so that, through you, we can counter the attack. Remember those who say disparaging things about us, that drag our name through the mud for their own satisfaction. Reveal to them how they’re being used and help them to overcome. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

-MB