Nothing wasted!
Isaiah 49 shares prophetically of Jesus. Right in the middle of the chapter there is a moment of praise followed by Israel questioning the Lord.
"But Zion said, "The Lord has forsaken me, And my Lord has forgotten me."" Isaiah 49:14
In the middle of dire circumstances, or when it seems sin is prevailing in this world, maybe you've asked the same question. For centuries, this question has tempted many: "If God is so good, why does He allow all this to happen?"
Notice two things in this section of Scripture:
"... will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.' "" Isaiah 49:6
""Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me." Isaiah 49:15-16
This isn't just to Israel. This is to all who call on the name of the Lord. Sin has infiltrated the heart of man and makes war with all in its reach, but remember sin has been defeated. One day these woes will be over and the new heaven and earth will be our forever home.
God sees all of time, we only see a snapshot. We must trust He knows what He is doing. For every affliction there is a greater story and greater glory (2 Cor. 4:17).
Nothing is wasted with the Lord. Seeing evil in the world? Press into the Lord and be the light He has called you to be. Walking through difficult moments? Press into the Lord and let Him be your salvation and strength. There's a greater story, and there's a greater glory and it's found in trusting Him!
-To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.