(7) Future Victory

(Note: This post is part of a series on defeating discouragement with faith and a study of Isaiah 41)

"See, all your angry enemies lie there, confused and humiliated. Anyone who opposes you will die and come to nothing. You will look in vain for those who tried to conquer you. Those who attack you will come to nothing. For I hold you by your right hand- I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, 'Don't be afraid. I am here to help you.  (Isaiah 41:11-13)

God points to the future-when He would bring victory over Israel’s enemies through Cyrus. The nation would see victory. But many would die without seeing that victory in person on earth.

We may not see complete victory over our "enemies" in this lifetime. Evil will continue until the end of time. So great will be this victory that we will look around and find all our “enemies,” all those who tried to hurt us will be nowhere to be found.

Look what God says. “I hold you by your right hand- I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, 'Don't be afraid. I am here to help you.” Are you afraid? Why? Have you forgotten who your God is?

God's righteousness will ultimately be vindicated and all evil banished from His eternal kingdom. And it will be clear that it is God’s victory not ours. No matter how dismal things may appear now, the future for God’s people is bright and glorious. No matter how low and weak we may be, God will bring victory in the end.

Though you are a lowly worm, O Jacob, don't be afraid, people of Israel, for I will help you. I am the LORD your Redeemer. I am the Holy One of Israel.' You will be a new threshing instrument with many sharp teeth. You will tear your enemies apart, making chaff of mountains. You will toss them into the air, and the wind will blow them all away; a whirlwind will scatter them. Then you will rejoice in the LORD. You will glory in the Holy One of Israel.  (Isaiah 41:14-16)

We may be the lowest of the low, the weakest of the weak, but that’s O.K., we don’t need to be afraid because the Lord of creation is our help, our redeemer.

Courage, motivation, strength and hope are not found in us. We cannot face discouragement by trying to be strong and find solutions on our own. We are nothing and have nothing except by God's grace. But through His grace we have hope, we have strength, we have victory. We can face the greatest challenge with hope, confidence and courage! Who is your God? Do you believe Him?