This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:

“In repentance and rest is your salvation,
    in quietness and trust is your strength,
    but you would have none of it. (Isaiah 30:15 NIV)

With each painful step, I felt old. My left leg couldn’t even line up with my right leg. Filled with so much inflammation, it stuck out toward the side. I want to walk normal again. I want to walk my dog, Iva again.

That was me in the fall of 2022. Pain has a way of making you see what is really important. As the pain decreased, I began walking Iva with my walking cane, and then no cane was necessary. I tired out quickly. When would my strength return? After each walk, I needed an icepack and a nap.

We all desire strength: physical strength, spiritual strength, boldness, and the strength to make it through a trial.

We know where to find strength. Our strength comes from the Lord. We learn that when Paul had a thorn in the flesh, and he asked God to remove it. God refused to remove it, but He gave Paul the strength to live with it (2 Cor. 12:7-10).

Isaiah was God’s prophet, and in today’s verse, God has given Isaiah a message for His people.

I love that God is sovereign. It means He is in control of all things. Do I like this journey of chronic pain? No, but I can trust my Lord, because He is sovereign. I’m not wandering aimlessly around. He has total control.

God says “in quietness and trust is your strength.” That’s where we find God’s strength. Sitting quietly and listening for God’s still voice after we pray. Prayer is a two-way conversation, not a monologue.

I thought I trusted God a lot, but this trial has made me realize I need to trust Him more. Perhaps God is waiting on us to trust, but we think we are waiting on Him to deliver us from our circumstances.

Quietness and trust are the way to strength. I may learn more later, but today, I see that I need to be quiet, listen, and trust Him beyond the borders of my faith.

It takes our time to sit before the Lord to do this. Can you find that time? Is it worth it to you?

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your sovereignty. I often want to control things, but this situation is beyond me, but nothing is beyond You. Help me make the time to find quiet and build more trust in You. Amen.

DIG DEEPER

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10 NIV)

HIKING THE TRAIL

When can you spend time with Jesus? How can you increase your faith?

RELATED RESOURCE

My Faith that walks on water Bible study begins Monday. Will you join us, please? Click here.

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Originally posted on February 24, 2023 @ 1:08 am