Tom Vander Well

Chapter-a-Day Isaiah 39

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Hezekiah replied to Isaiah, "Good. If God says so, it's good." Within himself he was thinking, "But surely nothing bad will happen in my lifetime. I'll enjoy peace and stability as long as I live." Isaiah 39:8 (MSG)

It is one thing to say "If God says so, it's good" when it's someone else who will suffer. It's another thing to utter a heartfelt "Good. If God says so, it's good" when you are the one facing the suffering. There is something that feels really selfish and shallow in Hezekiah's word and attitude.

And yet, am I that different?

God, help me be content to trust you in the face of difficulty and suffering. Give me compassion and help me to actively love those who suffer in ways I never will.

3 responses to “Chapter-a-Day Isaiah 39”

  1. Tom Vander Well Avatar
    Tom Vander Well

    Thanks, both of you, for your comments.
    Kevin, you’re right. I think every parent worries about the world we leave for our children. It’s good to know that God’s faithfulness extends through every generation.
    Matthew, I appreciate your thoughts, as well. It really does come down to learning contentment and trust.

    Reply
  2. Matthew Burch Avatar
    Matthew Burch

    Tom,
    I could not let this entry pass without responding. So true… when we are the one experiencing the loss, hardship, or difficulty do we thank God for this? Likewise do we gloat over someone elses loss by saying, “they must deserve it” or “God must be working with them because he loves them.” This entire issue of theodicy is a mystery to me. I beleive our most faithful response is to say, “Lord you know, and I will follow.” God knows the reasons why things happen. Sometimes we will not understand for days, weeks, months, or even years. To be content with this realization is truly to land with “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.”

    Reply
  3. kr Avatar
    kr

    Within himself he was thinking, “But surely nothing bad will happen in my lifetime. I’ll enjoy peace and stability as long as I live.”
    Does every generation think this? Probably. Interestingly enough, I desire this for my kids more than myself. I want life to be full, enjoyable, easy for them. I don’t want them to struggle or worry. Yet history shows that they will. I hope I can handle watching that.

    Reply

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