When He Speaks by Heidi Dru Kortman

Text: Isaiah 38:15-19.

“But what can I say? He has spoken to me, and he himself has done this. I will walk humbly all my years because of this anguish of my soul.”

Sometimes we deliberately choose discontent, and for a little while God will permit us to take that direction in our lives. Then, when depression has a firm grasp on our spirits, he will come and sit patiently beside us, answering our questions. At that moment, we have a critical choice. How will we react to the truth God has given us our circumstances, or to the fact that we have deluded ourselves about how he chooses to work?

God has placed us where we are because it suits his broad purposes. Whether our accomplishments are small and private or large and visible, his hand is there in protection and guidance. Hezekiah willingly admitted the things God wants us to understand: truths that make our limited lives effective.

God gives us our health. He allows us to live. He also loves us. He keeps us out of the pit of permanent destruction by removing our sin. God’s amazing gift of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection puts all our sins behind God’s back. He doesn’t look at them anymore. When we truly open our eyes, we won’t see them either. What we will see is the character and love of our God.

Once that happens, we begin to fulfill our true purpose, whether we are handicapped or Olympic athletes at the height of capability. What is God’s purpose for us? Verses 15, 18, and 19 of our text spell it out clearly: “I will walk humbly all my years. . . .” We are to praise God for his grace and character. “For the grave cannot praise you, death cannot sing your praise; those who go down to the pit cannot hope for your faithfulness. The living, the living—they praise you, as I am doing today; fathers will tell their children about your faithfulness.”

Heidi Dru Kortman DTM

God's gifts and call are irrevocable.

heididrukortman.com.

Heidi Dru Kortman, a CWG Apprentice graduate, ACFW member since 2004, and Word Weaver member has published devotionals in various newsletters, and a collected volume of devotionals. Her poetry, flash fiction, and short stories have appeared in small magazines, and a website. She is applying herself to the task of writing smoothly polished fiction.