There’s several books in the Bible that you just know. You know them because of the well known stories within them. For example, Genesis is chocked full of known stories (Adam & Eve, Cain & Able, Joseph and his coat of many colors). There’s also the book of Luke where the birth of Jesus is told. I could go on and on, but what happens when over and over the same Bible verse keeps showing up? Then other verses from the same book keep popping up. What do you do? Well I asked my Pastor. “Why is God bringing this to my attention?” His answer of course was that of any teacher, “read it and find out”. Thanks Pastor Kevin, lol.

So what am I talking about? This verse that just kept giving me the ray of hope I needed:

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

To understand one verse, I decided to at least read the entire chapter 40. So what is Isaiah talking about? This chapter is talking about the problems happening in Judah while in captivity by the Babylonians. Isaiah 40-48 is often referred to “the books of consolation”. Comfort Ye means “repent” and “console”. This implies that true repentance must precede divine consolation. This itself helps me realize one reason I was brought to this book. This section looks at the hope and comfort of a blessed future subsequent to God’s judgment in the forthcoming Babylonian captivity.

Over and over Isaiah uses the word comfort. He’s reassuring the people being held captive in a land far away from home. He says that there will be a huge blessing to them because they are always Gods people. They are never cast away from him.

He, also, is saying to them that He is their God. He will not let them down. Have you already noticed the hope that springs up in this chapter (like grace)? Isaiah tells them that they will be rewarded double their sins because of what they endured.

We know that the only true comfort that any of us have, is through the Spirit of God. Jesus promised to send us a Comforter, which is the Spirit of God. Notice, that God has not abandoned them. He calls them my people. God had allowed them the terrible warfare to bring them closer to the knowledge of the fact they needed Him. The payment of double was all the trouble they had. Ironically the trouble came from God in order for the people to repent.

According to http://www.bibystudytools.com; I like their interpretation of one of the verses: “That the days of her trouble are numbered and finished: Her warfare is accomplished, the set time of her servitude; the campaign is now at an end, and she shall retire into quarters of refreshment.’’ Human life is a warfare (Job. 7:1); the Christian life much more. But the struggle will not last always; the warfare will be accomplished, and then the good soldiers shall not only enter into rest, but be sure of their pay. 2. “That the cause of her trouble is removed, and, when that is taken away, the effect will cease. Tell her that her iniquity is pardoned, God is reconciled to her, and she shall no longer be treated as one guilty before him.’’

I told you all before that I endured something NO ONE wants to endure. However, I had to go through what I did in order to come closer to God. To bring me back to him even closer than before. To actually understand what I was reading and apply it to my life. I promise to share more about me as I can, but for now I don’t think it’s appropriate because I’m still enduring part of it”…unfortunately. Regardless, I’m not the same person I was and I will always rely fully on God for his comfort.

Lord, thank you for always being there when I need you. The comfort of your love and grace surrounds me and my family. I know the plans you have for me. Amen