Through the Bible: IsaiahSample

Trust and Obey

At that time the Lord spoke through Isaiah son of Amoz. He said to him, “Take off the sackcloth from your body and the sandals from your feet.” And he did so, going around stripped and barefoot. Then the Lord said, “Just as my servant Isaiah has gone stripped and barefoot for three years, as a sign and portent against Egypt and Cush, 

Isaiah 20:2-3 (NIV)

God’s command to Isaiah to walk about naked and barefoot for three years was a humiliating experience. In fact, this was a warning to Judah not to put their trust in foreign alliances or foreign gods, or else they will face the same humiliation from their captors. This passage reminds us not to depend on our own intelligence and human wisdom. Human wisdom and intelligence can never take God’s place. God asked Isaiah to do something which seemed shameful and illogical. At times, God would ask us to do things that we do not understand. We must obey God just like Isaiah did with complete faith, for God never asks us to do something wrong. There is a famous hymn chorus that goes like this: ‘Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.’ 

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, help us to trust You with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. In all our ways we acknowledge You, and You will direct our paths. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.