The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. John 1:9-10.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10.

I loved this today from Dallas Willard in Hearing God: “But those who have been given the additional birth – the new birth through the redemptive message of Christ that has entered their lives – can learn by experience to hear God as He speaks, to recognize His word and confidently interact with it. In God’s Perfect Will, G. Campbell Morgan describes this recognition: To the individual believer, who is, by the very fact of relationship to Christ, indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God, there is granted the direct impression of the Spirit of God on the spirit of man, imparting the knowledge of His will in matters of the smallest and greatest importance. This has to be sought and waited for.”

There is a richness in sharing blessings and trials with one another. We are no different from the generations of the ancient past. And we can choose to live our lives closer to Creator God – Father…Son…Spirit, and receive the peace and comfort He brings. No matter the trial, no matter the uncertainty we feel because we don’t know – we can trust that God knows and that He is working for our good in Him. He worked in ancient Israel. Our chapter, Isaiah 41, shows us that. Be silent before Me, you islands! Let the nations renew their strength! Let them come forward and speak; let us meet together at the place of judgment. “Who has stirred up one from the east, calling him in righteousness to his service?” v. 1-2. In the notes below it was Cyrus II of Persia who would be king within a century and a half. He conquered Babylon in 539 B.C. and was responsible for the decree releasing the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem. God could even use a pagan ruler to protect and care for Israel, because God is in control of all world empires and politics. “Who has done this and carried it through, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the Lord – with the first of them and with the last – I am He.” v. 4. Can you imagine what it’s like for God to see the idols, whatever or whoever they are, that people choose to follow over and over through all generations; and that never can deliver or tell what was or what will be? Yet He speaks to our spirit, in matters small and great, when we seek Him. “Present your case,” says the Lord. “Set forth your arguments,” says Jacob’s King. “Tell us what the former things were, so that we may consider them and know their final outcome. Or declare to us the things to come, tell us what the future holds, so that we may know that you are gods. Do something, whether good or bad, so that we will be dismayed and filled with fear. But you are less than nothing and your works are utterly worthless; whoever chooses you is detestable…I look but there is no one – no one among the gods to give counsel, no one to give answer when I ask them. See, they are all false! Their deeds amount to nothing; their images are but wind and confusion.” v. 21-24, 28-29. And by them, we are confused.

There is a very special journey you can begin with God. He cuts through the confusion and brings His peace. And I am learning with Him that He knows – and I am held safe in His knowing. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring but He knows. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. Our God comes to walk with us through the confusion, the stealing, the killing and the destruction. The true light that gives light to every man is in the world...and for us He conquered sin and death. He will help us to recognize and listen to His voice guiding us. He knows. And I trust Him for everything.