Someone has to “stay” 🙋‍♂️

With 66 chapters, the book of Isaiah is one of the longest books in the Bible. We often pull out encouraging verses like Isaiah 41:

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.” (Isaiah 41:10, NLT)  

But Isaiah has so much more to offer than just the few well-known verses! Did you know, for example, that Isaiah served as an advisor to kings for about 40 years?

“The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.” (Isaiah 1:1, NIV)  

Imagine knowing exactly what will happen to your country—and knowing what needs to be done—but no one listens… Oh, how frustrating! 

It started well—King Uzziah was faithful. But then:

“His fame spread far and wide, for he was greatly helped until he became powerful. But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall.” (2 Chronicles 26:15-16, NIV)  

Then King Jotham came along—a godly man. Isaiah could breathe a little, but not for long. Then came King Ahaz, unbelieving and even idolatrous:

“…he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God.” (2 Kings 16:2, NIV)  

And Isaiah stayed. Even though every part of him wanted to leave.

He stayed because you can’t quit when the mission comes from God. 

He endured, carried by the voice that once called him: “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” (Isaiah 6:8, NIV)  

I want to call out to you today:

Stay. Even when every part of you wants to run.

Where have you answered God’s call in the past with: “Here I am, send me!” (Isaiah 6:8, NIV)  

Maybe, like Isaiah in King Ahaz’s time, it doesn’t look like anything is happening yet. But if your mission comes from God, your help comes from Him too!

Isaiah stayed. And Hezekiah came. God intervened when all seemed lost.

And He still does today—for and through people who stay.

Will you stay?

You are a miracle!