Day 26

Today was such a wonderfully restful day! We had plans to go out and walk around Beirut, but it rained all day. So the Lord changed our plans for us! It was so nice. We just had family time all day!I fixed a really yummy, healthy meal, we practiced our arabic, and we played with Isaiah a lot. There will be a lot to do tomorrow, but thats ok.
I read the Gospel in the book of Isaiah chapter 30 today. Short and beautiful. "For thus the Lord God, the HOly One of Israel, has said, 'In repentance and rest you will be saved". Repentance: admitting that you are a sinner and then turning from your sin. Rest: Rest in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross... where He took the punishment, the fullness of God's wrath, that you deserve. What a wonderful thought.. to rest. The context of this verse is that God's people ran to Eygpt, to Pharaoh for safety instead of running to the Lord. So the Lord let's them flee and tells them He will give them something to flee from. You can try and find safety in many things: church, doing good things, feeling guilty and feeling sorry for yourself.. etc. None of these things will save you from the penalty for your sin. Either you take the punishment or He does. There is no other option. Repentance and rest is your only Hope. The verse goes on to say, " In quietness and trust is your strength. But you were not willing." Are you willing? A few verses later it says, "Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. How blessed are all those who long for Him".