HIS STORY!

Isaiah 41:1-29 

Saturday, 18 April 2026

Who has done such mighty deeds, summoning each new generation from the beginning of time? It is I, the LORD, the First and the Last. I alone am he.”-Isaiah 41:4 [NLT]

Most of us are familiar with “event managers” who control every bit of a programme from beginning to end. An event manager steers the entire event with minutest planning possible. Can we turn our attention to the “Event Manager of all history”- the Almighty One who knows the end from the beginning of all time and steers the course of history to suit His great purpose?

Our reading today gives us a glimpse of the Almighty who is deeply involved in the life of His people and determines events as He deems best. Israel had been in captivity in Babylon and when the predetermined time for their return to their nation was nearing, the Lord orchestrated the events of their return. He predicted through Isaiah that He would raise up a deliverer for them from the east who would serve His purpose to defeat the enemies of His people and bring them to freedom. The Lord puts a challenge through Isaiah to those who trusted in idols that were nothing and could do nothing for them. Whereas He who has the foreknowledge of all things told them what their future would hold!

The Lord encourages His people who had been weary and probably given up hope of being delivered or even returning to their own land. Examining Verses 8-20, we see how God builds up the confidence of His people to trust Him as He works out His plan in their life:

• God’s Chosen

The Lord said: I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying, ‘You are my servant.’ For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. (v.9). They were chosen the time God called Abraham and covenanted with him-they were his descendants. Today we who are God’s children through Christ are reminded of His choice: In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will…(Eph.1:11). How reassuring it is to know that God works out His purpose in the lives of His children who are yielded to Him! Even in the seemingly bad situations in life, we know that He works all things for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom.8:28). 

• God’s Protection

The Lord assured them thus: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” (v.10a). Their enemies would be ashamed and disgraced and would be as nothing and perish (v.11) when God would come to their aid. He would be their Redeemer! When pitted against the strong of the world, it is natural to fear and become discouraged—but the Lord is the protector of His children. It is good to remind ourselves of the promise in Psalm 91:4 [NLT] He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. He only can shelter us in the time of our storms!

• God’s Strength

Another confident promise the Lord gives: “I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (v.10b). They may have felt feeble, undermined by the captivity and so needed to hear these words. The term ‘worm” used to depict them shows how small and weak they may have felt. The Lord promised to make them strong like a threshing sledge (v.15) that can turn mountains to dust! Thus His power would be provided to them. Paul wrote of Christ’s that strengthened him in his weakness: And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2Cor.12:9). That is available for each of us.

From all of this, we understand who our God is- the one who controls history and also takes care of His children while working out His purposes. Shall we trust Him?

“I make known the end from the beginning,

from ancient times, what is still to come.

I say, ‘My purpose will stand,

and I will do all that I please.” (Isaiah 46:10)

Listen: 'The Ancient of Days'