I Will Not Put You to Shame

“Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.” Isaiah 54:4 (NIV)

A year ago, the Lord quite literally moved our family halfway across the country. There was absolutely no doubt it was Him! We had sold our house and were looking to rent until we found another place we wanted to buy. In the process of selling our house, the Lord started bringing to our minds and hearts the city we had grown up in, which was halfway across the country. After weeks of trying, we could not get a rental house; it was as if the door there had been divinely shut.

With less than a week until we had to be out, a house in our hometown came up for rent. We instantly knew that we were meant to go back home. With only four days left, and a lot of divine help, we arranged for a sudden and unexpected move to a new state. Everything that needed to happen, in the exact timing and manner that we needed, went off flawlessly. That is how we knew, without a doubt, it was the Lord who was orchestrating things.

And so, we embarked on a new journey. With any journey, the beginning is usually the most exciting; everything is new and wonderful. About three months into our new adventure, the newness was fading and we were starting to encounter the challenges associated with such a big move.

In addition to the usual challenges of such a move, suddenly and out of nowhere, we were facing some unexpected and daunting circumstances. I was having trouble keeping my focus where it needed to be. The Lord had clearly brought us here but nothing in my life made any sense. I was starting to focus too much on our circumstances and fear was creeping in.

I was driving one day, in the midst of this, and the Lord impressed upon me, “I did not bring you out here to put you to shame.” While what He said didn’t magically change my circumstances, it did give me an immediate sense of peace and something to hold onto. Whenever things seemed bleak, I would silently repeat in my head, “You will not be put to shame.” And it has gotten me through and continues to encourage me.

No matter what you are facing, the Lord has a word of encouragement for you. Look for it in whatever form it may take. Or, if you don’t see it, boldly ask the Lord directly for what He knows you need to help you through. Hold onto that word, repeat it, remind yourself, for as long as you need. He and His promises will see you through.