Isaiah 7

God gives comfort to Ahaz, the king of Judah, in chapter 7. Two other kings came to attack Judah, but God told Isaiah to give Ahaz the message, "'Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid'" (Is. 7:4a). He also said that the two kings would not be successful in their plot to ruin Judah. However, God also said, "'If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all'" (Is. 7:9b). God always calls us to trust Him.

However, God then told Ahaz, "'Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights'" (Is. 7:11). I expected the next section to be an account similar to that of Gideon--putting a piece of wool on the ground, which God kept dry despite the morning dew. "But Ahaz said, 'I will not ask; I will not put the LORD to the test'" (Is. 7:12). Wow. That's faith. And faith like that is rewarded. (See Hebrews 11.)

A well-known passage appears next. "'...[T]he LORD himself will give you a sign: the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel'" (Is. 7:14). Talk about faith! Believing in this is the most important act of faith one can take. But it's just the beginning of many more leaps of faith as we follow God.

I pray that God gives you courage as you face daily decisions to live by faith.