Struggling, Surviving, and Still

O. T. #1899  "Struggling, Surviving, and Still"

March 11, 2021

Ezekiel 21-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. (Exodus 14:14)

In Sarah Young's devotional this morning, which is unique in that she writes as if Jesus is speaking to you and me, I read this:

I know how weary you are, My child. You have been struggling just to keep your head above water, and your strength is running low. Now is the time for your to stop striving and let Me fight for you. I know this is not easy for you to do. You feel as if you must keep struggling in order to survive, but I am calling you to rest in Me. I am working on your behalf; so be still, and know that I am God.

Perhaps you needed to hear that, too. Dear one, there comes a time that we just lay our burdens at the fee of Jesus and let Him handle them, then rest in His peace. We have to come to that point where we stop striving and struggling with the "it" in our life. Then watch Jesus work it out for us, work on our behalf, or work in us.

LET IT GROW

In verses 6-7, we read what God told Ezekiel to do-sigh, which means groan; mourn. The New Living Translation says it like this, Groan before them with bitter anguish and a broken heart.

Ezekiel was told to preach this message with his face toward Jerusalem and against the sanctuaries.Why would God tell the prophet to sigh? It was so they would hear him, then ask Ezekiel why he was doing that. However, they didn't want to get Ezekiel's message since they did not like to be told that things were wrong.

Here is Ezekiel's answer:

• I groan because of the tidings (something heard; announcement; news), such terrifying news God gave. (Fire by the Babylonian army to Jerusalem and Judah.) 
• Because it comes;
• When it comes true, every heart, even the boldest heart, will melt with fear. Melt means to faint (with fatigue, fear, or grief); discouraged.
• And all hands shall be feeble (weaken), so all strength will disappear.
• And every spirit shall faint (to be weak).
• Strong knees will become weak as water.

"It cometh, and shall be brought to pass," saith the Lord God.

God's judgment is designed to purify; destruction is often a necessary part of that process. 

LET IT GO

Jesus, some of us are struggling, trying to survive.

Help us to be still and know Your are God and You will fight for us.

We watch to see You working.

To You be the glory, honor, and praise, Jesus!