Today’s world brings many trials and troubles. Things that can’t be explained trip us up from time to time causing us to doubt or lose our way temporarily. This is not unlike the Israelites in the Bible. Their lives took many twists and turns. They encountered things they wish they could have avoided. Some of it probably could have been avoided if they had not gone astray, like worshipping the idols of the nations around them. No matter the reason for the trials, the Bible reminds us that it doesn’t have to stay that way. Isaiah 48:11 says, ”For the sake of my reputation, for my own sake, I will act…I won’t give my glory to another.” (CEB) The “my” and ”I” in this verse are God speaking. God started good works in all of us, and He is not going to let that go to waste. He wants us to know that He’s going to finish what He started. Verses 17-18 tell us how. ”He’s our Redeemer, the Holy One, and the Lord our God, who teaches us to profit and leads us in the way we should go when we follow His commands.” (paraphrased from NRSV)

It all comes back to obedience and trying everyday not just to survive but to thrive by seeking the one who made the plan and will see it through!