Summer of Hope

Isaiah 41:10 - “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” - NLT

The prophet Isaiah is one of the greatest, and my personal favorite, Old Testament prophets. He delivers truth that can feel rather harsh at times to our sensitivity, and yet fills it with hope and expectation on a God that always delivers on His promises.

Hope in the book of Isaiah is a profound theme of confident expectation and active waiting on God’s promises, particularly during times of deep crisis, exile, and darkness. It serves as a reminder that God remains present, active, and faithful.

The most famous expression of hope in Isaiah, which comes from Isaiah 40:31, is the promise that "those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength". This hope is not wishful thinking; it is an active, patient trust in God's timing over our busy, chaotic, overwhelming lives.

Isaiah ministered during an era defined by political upheaval and the Babylonian exile, when the nation of Israel sat in profound literal and spiritual darkness. In the middle of it, Isaiah delivers the message, from Isaiah 9:2, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light". This light ultimately points to the arrival of the Messiah, bringing ultimate peace, justice, and redemption from sin.

My hope is that this month we will see the severe warnings of judgment given to us by Isaiah,  yet also see the glorious messages of comfort and hope. My prayer is that we look forward to a day when the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, and justice will roll down like a river, and creation itself will be renewed. We can have hope in the promises of God given to us by Isaiah and have a Summer of Hope! 
​- Pastor Mike