Sought Out But Not Forsaken | Pastor Jeff Williams

The Open Door Church 337

Message: Have you ever been in a place where things don't go your way, trouble on every side? God is there. In the scripture reference, Israel has been exiled, but God has a plan for deliverance from Babylonian captivity and restoration for the faithful remnant. Have there every been times when it's not easy to see God working, seeming long and feeling forgotten? Israel felt that way. Similarly, we often try to fix problems with church programs instead of Jesus Christ when we feel forsaken.

There are 3 key points to being sought by God often and not forsaken.

1. Your Salvation is coming. God desires to deliver us in the physical and also in the spiritual, a laying down of the natural for the supernatural. God has a plan to bring it all together and will not rest. All the while Israel is waiting to be rescued from exile. God is not resting until salvation is in every aspect of our lives. God will not hold His peace, wanting to redeem us into righteousness and reflect His image. Hebrews 7: 24-25 points to a continuous light, eternal salvation to the uttermost, which is a reflection of the completeness of the saving, a perfection, holy and without blemish. It is a salvation that frees us from the wages of sin and the chains of sin. No matter what it looks like from the natural eye, it's a never-ending presence.

2. His reward is with Him. A spiritual good work is being accomplished that is worthy of reward. Isaiah 62:6 reveals God's love sets watchmen over us to protect us. God is saying He will save Jerusalem and us, it will make praise in the earth. The watchmen have a constant duty. They are to discern and be prayer warriors for a people who are under attack from Satan who wants to steal, kill and destroy. God calls us to pray without ceasing, giving Him no rest. God reciprocates with reward, allowing us to trust in His name. Simply, we can trust God the same yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever. It is important to be ready for His reward. Isaiah 35:10 encourages of God's ransom for us will return. Hebrews 6:11 encourages us to be seeker of Him, the sacrifice will be worth it. For the unbeliever, Luke 13:27-28 warns of being unknown while working themselves.

3. His work is before Him. In Isaiah 62:10 we are called to prepare a highway for people, removing distractions to the way of the Lord, let them see Jesus at the center of it all. We are to prepare our hearts to receive Him and not miss opportunities. Ephesians 2:10 makes us a part of His workmanship. In us and through us, Christ is a living word for someone to see and desire salvation. He wants to use us to uplift His Kingdom as we fix our eyes on Christ as the reference point in our lives. [Testimony of Godly care] God is ever-present and trustworthy all our days.

Scripture: Isaiah 62:11-12 "Indeed the Lord has proclaimed To the end of the world: “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Surely your salvation is coming;
Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him.’ ”And they shall call them The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord; And you shall be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.