HE WILL MAKE THE CROOKED PLACES STRAIGHT
Isaiah 45:2 (KJV)

Whenever we are going through trials or troubles, it is good to turn to God’s Word. God gives power to the faint (Isaiah 40:29), and can renew those who are weary and worn (Matthew 11:28). Those who wait on the Lord are renewed (Isaiah 40:31), and He can make the crooked places straight (Isaiah 45:2).



In Isaiah 45:2, we find these words:

“I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:”



Isaiah is speaking to the Persian king Cyrus, prophesizing that God will use Cyrus to conquer Babylon and release the Jewish exiles, returning them to their homeland. He told Cyrus that God would go before them and they would be blessed. His hand would lead them, and when they get to the crooked places that He would make them straight. We should never be perplexed or troubled, because just as He was with Cyrus, He is also with us. We have the assurance that all of our needs will be met. It is my fervent prayer today that we know that God is not only with us, but He can do all things and do all things well (Mark 7:37). Trust, depend on, and lean on Him. We are never alone. Whatever crooked or rough places we face, or whatever mountains are in our way, all we have to do is trust God.

THE LORD IS SLOW TO GET ANGRY
Psalm 103:8 (NLT)

I have seen people get angry and hold onto that anger for a very long time. Most often, their anger results in destructive behaviors that do not please God. I have done some things that I am sure caused the Lord to be angry with me, but He continues to bless me in spite of me. I am so glad that the Lord is slow to get angry!

In Psalm 103:8, we find these words:
“The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.”

The psalmist describes the Lord as being merciful and gracious. He looks at what God did for the people of Israel, and compares the Lord’s mercy to that of a father for his children (verse 13). So many times the Lord could have sent forth His wrath on the people of Israel, but He blessed them with His mercy instead. Even when He becomes angry with us, He does not stay angry forever (verse 9). All I can say is, “Wow, what a wonderful God we serve!” Rejoice today in knowing that the Lord is slow to get angry.

Galatians 6:17
From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of Lord Jesus.

In 1 Corinthians 10:12, we find these words:

“If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.”
Paul cautions us not to become complacent in our faith because it will make us vulnerable to temptation and sin. Some of us may think that our faith is strong, therefore making us immune to temptation or falling into sin. Paul makes us aware that we can easily fall when we take our eyes off God, because we are in an ongoing battle against temptation and sin. He also speaks about the faithfulness of God, and gives us assurance that if we are tempted, He will show us the way out (verse 13). We cannot handle temptation by ourselves, no matter how strong we think we are, because alone, we will surely fall. But thanks be unto God, He will always provide us.