December 14

Instead of the thornbush, a cypress will grow, and instead of the brier, a myrtle will spring up; they will make a name for the LORD, an everlasting sign, never to be destroyed. — Isa 55:13 BSB

Difficulties and obstacles are God’s challenges to our faith. When we face hindrances on the path of duty, they become opportunities to trust in the fullness of Jesus. As we move forward, fully trusting Him, we may be tested and have to wait. But we will eventually find that the stone has been rolled away, and the Lord will bless us with double for our time of trial, fulfilling His promise: “Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree.”

Oft there comes a wondrous message
When my hopes are growing dim;
I can hear it through the darkness,
Like some sweet and far-off hymn.
Nothing is too hard for Jesus,
No one can work like Him.

When my way is closed in darkness
And my foes are fierce and grim,
Still it sings above the conflict,
Like some glad, victorious hymn:
Nothing is too hard for Jesus,
No one can work like Him.