SOAP: Isaiah 24 Choose Your Hard

Choose Your Hard

ISAIAH 24

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From the ends of the earth we hear singing: “Glory to the Righteous One.” But I said, “I waste away, I waste away! Woe to me! The treacherous betray! With treachery the treacherous betray!” Terror and pit and snare await you, people of the earth.“

Isaiah 24:17 NIV

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Woe to me! I looked up what this means because it’s not how we speak today. It means I am sad, this stinks, or I don’t like it.

Many of us may find ourselves in situations that cause us to cry out “woe to me”! All of us have been there, right? Feeling sorry for ourselves in a situation. But do we admit our choices are part of what got us there? A relationship that we knew wasn’t right. Yet, we stayed. A financial decision we knew would bring trouble. But we went forward with it. A promotion at work that helped us climb the ladder at work but pulled us away from God. Yet, we accepted the position. Not forgiving someone for hurting you and hanging onto anger.  Overtime, that anger grows and permeates all areas of your life. It can be something big or small.

Perhaps you’ve heard God’s voice in your head but ignored it. Why? Because usually God’s voice is telling us to do the opposite of what our flesh is telling us to do. Our human nature tempts us to give into what feels good now. Before we know it, we find ourselves lost, on a long detour and crying out “woe to me”!

Oftentimes, God’s way feels harder. Following the Kingdom plan requires dedication, planning ahead, sacrifice and self-restraint. Last week my pastor said, “The decisions we make today, determine the story I tell tomorrow. The first step is giving our life to Jesus.”

The Lord is righteous.  God is so good that He gives every person, good or bad, rich or poor, the opportunity to accept Him and His Son.  Why put your trust in man's ways? God's ways are higher than man's ways, and He never changes.

Yet, how many times have I chosen to deal with the human ick because, in the moment, it is easier than listening to God’s way? Honestly, way too many. It comes down to this…choose your hard!

Prayer: Father, I confess and trust that Your will and way is best. Forgive me when I hear Your voice but don’t obey. When I take a detour that leads me away. I give it all to you trust that the sorry You’re writing for me is better than anything I could dream up in my wildest dreams! In your perfect name, Amen.