Dear PBC family,
I have many conversations with people who are praying for someone close to them to get saved. And many times, it seems to be a hopeless situation. It could be a son or daughter with a hardened heart. Maybe it is a spouse who shows zero interest in spiritual things. Maybe it’s a close friend who used to follow Christ, but has turned their back on the Lord. These situations can feel hopeless, and one begins to think, “it will be a miracle if this person comes to the Lord.”
Israel faced a similar situation. In Isaiah, Assyria and Egypt were mortal enemies of Israel. In the middle of judgment oracles against these nations. God promises a major change in Isaiah 19. He says,
“It will be a sign and a witness to the Lord of hosts… When they cry to the Lord because of oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and deliver them. And the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians, and the Egyptians will know the Lord in that day and worship with sacrifice and offering, and they will make vows to the Lord and perform them.” (Isaiah 19:20–21)
He goes on to promise that he will “heal” Egypt. Then the Lord ends the chapter by saying,
“Whom the Lord of hosts has blessed, saying, ‘Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance.’” (Isaiah 19:25)
One day in the future, after Jesus comes, Egypt, Assyria, and Israel (which represent the whole world) will worship together.
Keep praying, because with the Lord nothing is impossible.
Blessings,
Jarred