Crisis Convertedಮಾದರಿ

Theme: God's promises are effective.

Crisis Converted Then:

God has promised a return for his people and that promise is not hollow. His word will take root, grow strong and bear fruit for his people. They will return home. 

Plus, their return will meet with creation’s applause. In poetic flair, the prophet describes nature’s procession of God’s people across the desert into their homeland. The desolation of their home (thorn bushes and briars) will give way to lush trees. The chaos of their sin’s consequences will give way to the order of God’s creative beauty. This return will point people to God’s fame and will function as a sign forever that God delivers on his promises. 

Crisis Converted Now:

What God says, God will do. His promises cannot be reversed. Just as you can’t turn the snow or rain back up into the clouds (though we sometimes wish we could - “Rain, rain, go away!”), so God’s word can’t be shoved back into his mouth. His thoughts make things happen. Guaranteed. 

So what has God promised to his people in Christ? Forgiveness? Redemption? Eternal life? Count on them. They aren’t empty promises. They will happen. 

Has God said that he will gift his church? He will. Enough said. Has Jesus promised to return and set all things straight? Then, that is what he’ll do. No if’s, and’s or but's. He will return. Period. 

You can count on this God because he always delivers. He always converts every crisis, even those global in size. Always. 

Ask yourself honestly today: Do I trust in God’s promises?