“Character is not built by battling and excitement alone. The harvest is not ripened by the thunderous forces of nature, but by the secret silent invisible forces. So the best qualities of our spiritual lives are matured by quietness, silence and commonplace ” (A. P. Gouthey).
God matures you spiritually as He opens a door of ministry that no one can shut. Depend on God to develop your character as you trust Him for open doors and provision for ministry by praising His reign, wonderful working and complete healing. Praising God develops your character and ministry.
Depend on God to Prevent Destruction and Enslavement
The slain were not killed by the sword and did not die in battle. Leaders fled together and captured as prisoners while the enemy was far away. Isaiah wept bitterly over the destruction of God’s people. The defenses of Judah were stripped away with many breaches in the City of David. They tore down houses to strengthen the wall but had not considered or regarded the One who made and planned it long ago (Is. 22:1-11). Depend on God so He does not destroy and enslave His people.
Repent of Sin to Experience Forgiveness and Not Waste Time in Pleasure
The Lord Almighty called you to weep and put on sackcloth but there was joy, revelry and drinking of wine instead. “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we may die.” This sin would not be forgiven until you died, said the Lord (Is. 22:12-14). Repent of your sin so you experience forgiveness and not waste time in pleasure.
Trust God to Open Doors of Kingdom Ministry
God would throw them tightly like a ball into a large country where they would die. He would dispose them from their office and oust them from their position. God put a robe on Eliakim and handed their authority over to him as a father for those in Jerusalem and Judah. God placed on his shoulder the key to the house of David, What he opened no one could shut and what he shut no one could open. He would be a seat of honor for the house of his father with glory of his family hanging on him. The peg driven in the firm place would give way and the load hanging on it would be cut down (Is. 22:15-25). Trust God to open doors of kingdom ministry and authority that no one can shut.
Support Kingdom Ministries by God Redirecting Money
Tyre, the nations’ marketplace, was destroyed so ships from Tarshish had no harbor to enter. Without ships, the renowned traders’ pride were humbled as the Lord planned. The Lord gave an order to destroy the fortresses of Phoenicia and crush Sidon’s merchants enriched by seafarers. The Assyrians turned the land of Babylonians into a ruin. The fortress of the ships of Tarshish was destroyed and forgotten for 70 years. Then she applied her trade with all the kingdoms of the earth so her earnings would be set apart for the Lord and not hoarded. Her profits would provide food and fine clothes for those who live before the Lord (Is. 23:1-18). Support kingdom ministries by God redirecting profits and earnings.
Praise God’s Power to Reign by Destroying Kings and Cursing Disobedient
The Lord will totally ruin the earth, scatter all its inhabitants and languish the exalted. The earth is defiled by its people when they disobey laws and break the covenant.
A curse consumed the earth and its people bore their guilt. The vine withered and parties stopped. The ruined city lied desolate and joy turned to gloom. They raised their voices and acclaimed the Lord’s majesty while giving glory and exalting the Lord’s name. Terror and snares awaited the people of the earth. God will punish the powers in the heavens and kings would be shut up in prison. The Lord Almighty reigns in Jerusalem (Is. 24:1-23). Praise God’s power to reign over the earth by destroying kings and cursing the disobedient.
Praise God’s Wonders as Refuge for Needy in Distress
Isaiah praised God’s name for His perfect faithfulness in working wonders planned long ago. He was a refuge for the poor and needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. God stopped the ruthless (Is. 25:1-5).
Praise God’s faithfulness in working wonders as refuge for the needy in their distress.
Praise God’s Abundant Provision for Complete Emotional and Spiritual Healing
The Lord prepared a feast of rich food with the finest of wines for all people. He destroyed the shroud that enfolded all peoples. He will swallow up death forever, wipe away tears and remove the disgrace of His people from the earth when they trusted in Him for salvation. God brought down the pride and cleverness of of Moab just like He will do with your high fortified walls (Is. 25:6-12). Praise God’s abundant provision for complete emotional and spiritual healing.
Consider how God works to develop your character and ministry:
1. Depend on God.
2. Repent of sin.
3. Open doors for ministry.
4. Support of your ministry.
5. Praise God’s reign.
6. Praise God’s wonders.
7. Praise God’s healing.
