“Now these are the words that the Lord spoke concerning Israel and Judah. “For thus says the Lord: ‘We have heard a voice of trembling, Of fear, and not of peace. Ask now, and see, Whether a man is ever in labor with child? So why do I see every man with his hands on his loins Like a woman in labor, And all faces turned pale? Alas! For that day is great, So that none is like it; And it is the time of Jacob’s trouble, But he shall be saved out of it.”
Jeremiah 30:4-7 NKJV
This morning as I was with the Lord, I saw a picture of many people in fear and dread of the future. I heard them say “it is too much, my heart can’t take any more”. I saw them turning away and hiding themselves from the Lord in their attempts to find peace and shield themselves from their fear of further pain.
Then I heard the Lord say “Am I not the source of peace? Does not all comfort come from me and only me? Why would you hide your face from my presence? Why would you turn yourself to walk away from the path I have put you on? There is nothing to fear except my name. There is nowhere to hide except in my tender and loving arms. All you who have tarried and have been in labor for so long, now is the time of your birthing. Would you rather turn now and not see the fruit of all that you have suffered? Would you chose to walk away and not enjoy the fruits of your labor? Who will raise up the child that you have carried and now have birthed. Will yet another generation be left as orphans?
Now is the time to strengthen yourself in me! Turn back to me and trust me again. I have been your strength though you felt weak. I have been your comfort while you mourned. I have been your shelter as the storm raged all around you. Look again and see that I have never left you, and have never abandoned you. I am the one protecting you from the wolves that have sought to devour you and the promises I have spoken over you. To turn away now is to fall in to the hands of the those whose heart is to see you barren, empty and broken. Come now, look into my eyes and know that I am yours and you are mine. My banner of love, peace and hope is over you. This is the day of your deliverance. I am bringing you into the land of abundant provision where you will prosper. Turn your heart back to me in full trust and confidence and watch me bring it forth.
I am the Lord God your Heavenly Father and Creator of all things. Remember me now and trust again in my unfailing faithfulness. Watch and see all that I have spoken come to pass. Every word that I put in your heart that when I spoke it caused you great hope, watch now as it suddenly comes about and is even greater than you had ever imagined. Stand and watch as I deliver the child and your pains of labor are forgotten forever.” Says the Lord God Almighty. The One who was, is, and is to come!
“But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life. Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, And gather you from the west; I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ And to the south, ‘Do not keep them back!’ Bring My sons from afar, And My daughters from the ends of the earth— Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.””
Isaiah 43:1-2, 4-7 NKJV
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