ARISE and SHINE

“ARISE [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you–rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!  For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and dense darkness [all] peoples, but the Lord shall arise upon you [O Jerusalem], and His glory shall be seen on you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.”  (Isaiah 60 1-3)

Right now, your situation may be looking so negative and impossible. You may have all the odds stocked against you but, let me encourage you with this word.

In the first verse of chapter 60 of the book of Isaiah that you just read above, we see a great promise of God, rich with hope and fulfillment. Yet, the next verse is talking about darkness, depression and much hopelessness. How contradictory! But then, take a look at the rest of the verses, seeming say something to this effect:

“Get ready! The Glory of God is about to visit your life! Get ready for a supernatural turnaround in your difficult or seemingly impossible situation! Get ready for God is about to show up in that situation!” You see my friend, it is usually this way when God promises something in His word or when prophetic word is spoken. It often looks bleak and hopeless. By human means it is impossible!

Do you remember the story of Joseph? (See Genesis 37: 5-11)

God promised him the palace but he found himself in the pit. God showed him some amazing visions and dreams of his future …Yet his life went the complete opposite direction for many many years, he went from one pit to another pit. (Read through Genesis Chapter 37-40).

Now think about it, to Joseph it could have seemed to him that God tricked or lied to him, and he could have been easily discouraged, develop resentment towards God for allowing such injustice to befall him, but Joseph did not develop an attitude in all of his predicaments. Rather, Joseph clung to his faith in God all through his pit experiences. And where was God in all of these? God was with him! God was with him through it all. God was working in him and walking with him through each pit, through each horrible experience.

David was a man who went through similar experiences like Joseph?  He was anointed king, yet he went through horrendous pits before the manifestation of the promise. But David learnt something great…That God will never leave us nor forsake us. “Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.” (Psalms 23:4)

David learnt and that nothing can stop God’s plan for His children! I encourage you to study Romans chapter 8 for yourself…To encourage you that nothing can separate you from God’s love and His promises for your life!.

Now back to Joseph, God was with him and gave Joseph such extraordinary favour that he was admired, and was always on top of his peers. (Genesis 39:4-5 with Potiphar; Genesis 39:20-23 in the prison). We know from the Word of God that God is not a liar, neither is He like man that can change his mind from time to time. God forbid, let God be true, and every man a liar (Romans3:4).

The fact of the matter is this, all that happened to Joseph, his pit experiences were his preparation! His pit was actually his ladder to “the mountain top” or “the palace” God promised him. But as bad as the situation was, Joseph didn’t focus on his pit or troubles, but rather, he clung to his faith in God.

The focus is this, we need to bear in mind that the Word of God is Spiritual in nature. The Holy Spirit does not consult with or take permission from the physical look or external appearance of things. The word of God is Supernatural and it’s superior to any situation, person or authority for that matter. And the Word of God will test  our faith and patience. The Bible tells us about Joseph, “until God’s time finally came—how God tested his patience!” (Psalm 105:19)

God is the master planner and nothing can stop His plan from coming to past. (Isaiah 46:10). He alone is God, the beginning and end. And He is well able. The book of Job says, “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted”. (Job 42:2)

I want to encourage you to remain focus by keeping your eyes on Jesus. (Hebrews 12:1-2). Let us hold on to the Word of God consigning the promise without wavering, because it is only a matter of time, in the end that WORD will be fulfilled. This too shall pass in Jesus Name!

God bless you!