His hand is stretched out still...

I'm reading through Isaiah and one phrase that keeps popping up is "For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still." Basically here's the deal, the homies in Israel wouldn't get it through their head that they are in need of a God and that they need to stop trying to do things on their own because that's how things keep getting screwed up. First when they were doing things right, God blessed them, and they took advantage of those blessings and started becoming snobby jerks who thought they were perfect. So then God allowed things to start getting rough and things just kept getting worse. Not because of God, but because the people didn't see that they needed to rethink this whole, let's disobey God thing.

ALL things happen for our good. It says it in the word, homie. Most of us just need to rethink what is actually good. Good isn't always smooth sailing. Good is not speedy results or healthy, rich lives. Good is being broken, flat on your face, looking like a hot mess at the feet of God. Good is when God is your everything and when you hold His hand through whatever storm comes your way. Good is when you are healthy and/or rich and you pour yourself out to the widows, the fatherless, the poor, the sick, the needy. God didn't turn his anger away from Israel for their own good. He won't turn His anger away from you if it's for your own good. But, even through all of God's anger and through all of your hurt, He is right there with you reaching out his hand to make sure you don't fall. It hurts Him to see you hurt but He is wise enough to fight through that pain in order for you to know love.

Embrace whatever storm you are going through. Don't leave God hangin' while His hand is still stretched out for you. The sooner you take ahold of Him, the easier things will be. Maybe not easier physically and honestly probably not easier physically, but deep down in your heart you will know that there is a purpose for this pain. Severe tragedy sets the stage for extreme triumph and trust me, once you understand that in your heart, you understand true love. Love is knowing that there is a higher being who wants to be with you so bad, despite the fact that you are imperfect, that He will do, and has done everything that possibly could be done, to be with you. He sacrificed Himself so that he wouldn't have to give us the justice we deserve. We deserve utter destruction and death. But he gives us complete beauty and life. He has given us purpose. Don't sit back and wait for the birds to sing praises to Him, they're gonna do that no matter what. Be proactive and intentional and learn to love! This world, and maybe even your heart, is suffering. But I know the greatest healer to ever exist so let Him heal you.