At the end of Isaiah 41, God goes back and summarizes all the reasons for trusting Him. In doing so, He again challenges the authenticity and value of the idols man turns to.
"Present the case for your idols," says the LORD. "Let them show what they can do," says the King of Israel. "Let them try to tell us what happened long ago so that we may consider the evidence. Or let them tell us what the future holds, so we can know what's going to happen. Yes, tell us what will occur in the days ahead. Then we will know you are gods. In fact, do anything- good or bad! Do something that will amaze and frighten us. But no! You are less than nothing and can do nothing at all. Those who choose you pollute themselves. "But I have stirred up a leader who will come from the north. I have called him by name from the east. I will give him victory over kings and princes. He will trample them as a potter treads on day.
"Who told you from the beginning that this would happen? Who predicted this, making you admit that he was right? No one said a word! I was the first to tell Zion, 'Look! Help is on the way!' I will send Jerusalem a messenger with good news. Not one of your idols told you this. Not one gave any answer when I asked. See, they are all foolish, worthless things. All your idols are as empty as the wind. (Isaiah 41:21-29)We don’t carve wood or cast metal gods and bow down to them, but we do practice idiolatry in other forms. Whenever we turn to humanity - including ourselves - for our explanations for life and solutions to life’s challenges, we commit idiolatry. And our idols are as good at explaining the past and giving hope for the future as the ones made of wood or metal.
Our only hope is in God. When we face discouragement, we must turn to God. When we turn to any other explanation, source of wisdom, strength, or encouragement, we are looking to worthless idols. We must recognize and believe that God is the sovereign God who is working His perfect plan in our lives to display His glory through our lives. We need to recognize and believe that whatever we are facing is a God ordained opportunity to trust Him, rely on Him and display His glory in how we respond.
We must take God at His Word and confidently believe that He will not lead us into any situation without giving us the ability to face it in a way that honors his character and glory. You can face the greatest challenges in life with courage, confidence and hope when you choose to submit to the sovereignty of God and trust in His greatness, wisdom, and promises.
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