“Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a FOUNDATION a STONE, a tried STONE, a precious CORNER STONE, a sure FOUNDATION: he that believeth shall not make haste.”
Isaiah 28:16
I read something a few years ago that stuck with me and the Lord used to encourage me forward when there were challenges to be faced! Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The German pastor and early, outspoken critic of Hitler, escaped Germany right before the outbreak of World War II, taking refuge in New York City just as other dissident clergy were being rounded up and imprisoned. Bonhoeffer knew a return to Germany under Hitler’s rule would ultimately lead to his death, however, when in New York he happened upon a passage from Isaiah that read “He who believes does not flee.” From that verse he knew he had to go home and continue the battle against the Reich! The verse he found came from Isaiah 28:16 where it says, “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a FOUNDATION a STONE, a tried STONE, a precious CORNER STONE, a sure FOUNDATION: he that believeth shall not make haste.” When looking up the term “make haste” it’s definition is to flee in hasty alarm. How often do we want to flee in hasty alarm ? from challenges that arise? Difficult people in our lives? Challenging school days? Hard work circumstances? Situations like Bonhoeffer where you are called to stand for and declare truth in the face of evil? Or [if you are like me] it’s often the feeling of wanting to give up and “flee” when I have failed or fallen short. When I’ve lost my temper or not shown patience or kindness! ? You see, in our own strength, we would probably do best to flee as we will fail battles we face apart from Christ’s strength and grace. BUT I love how Isaiah 28:16 gives us the reason why we can hold our ground and should not flee the battle but rather fight the good fight[1 Tim612]. In Isaiah 28:16 The Lord God reveals that He is our SURE foundation, a precious and proven Corner Stone and because He is this “tried Stone”[tested and proven true and faithtul→Heb 10:23] we who believe can have faith for the battle ahead. Whether it’s one’s own internal battle against the flesh[Gal 5:16-25] or external spiritual battles we face, we can confidently stand our ground for the fight because Christ Jesus is our Firm Foundation! I love how 2 Timothy 2:1 commands us to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” For whatever battle there is to be fought or mountain there is to climb today, may you find your strength in Christ and rest in the sufficiency of His grace! “He that believeth shall not flee.” ♥
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Ephesians 6:10-12
Thank you for the encouragement today, Rachel!! What a great God we serve. Beautifully complied.
Timely words as I ran three miles with my brother today and as I continue to tackle the Saturday to do list.
Have a blessed Texas Saturday!
Thanks for sharing. <3
Thank you for the encouragement, Leah! I’m thankful the Lord gave me words to share. ☺️❤️
Happy Saturday!
So incredibly timely! I have been wanting to flee a lot lately!
Well, praise the Lord! I had prayed it would be just what someone needed today! ❤️
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.-Gal 6:9
This was such an encouragement to me ? I’d never heard of that German pastor before, and his obedience to the Lord was AMAZING! Truly inspiring to seek the Lord and read the Word, and follow where He calls. Thanks for this, Rachel! Have a blessed Sunday!
Aw, praise the Lord! Super thankful the Lord used this to encourage you. ☺️? Isn’t Bonhoeffer’s testimony of the Lord’s leading through His Word amazing?! It was a blessing to see your comment come in!! Thank you!!?