Introduction

Welcome, dear friends, to this gathering of hearts and souls, united by faith and love in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We come together not just as individuals, but as a community bound by the unbreakable thread of God's love and grace. We come with our joys and sorrows, our victories and struggles, our hopes and fears.

Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the book of Isaiah, chapter 43, verses 14 to 21. Let's listen to the word of God: “Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: For your sake I send to Babylon and bring them all down as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships in which they rejoice. I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King. Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings forth chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.

Battles of the Past Year

As we reflect on the year that has passed, we find ourselves amid a battlefield. We've faced trials and tribulations, some of which were so intense that they shook us to our very core. We've encountered challenges that tested our faith, our resilience, and our resolve. Yet, here we are, still standing, still pressing on.

Amid these battles, we've learned valuable lessons. We've learned about the strength that lies within us, a strength that is not of our own making, but a divine strength that comes from our Creator. We've learned about the power of faith, the power to move mountains, to overcome obstacles, and to endure hardships.

The battles we've faced always have served a purpose. They've shaped us, molded us, and refined us. They've taught us to rely not on our own understanding but to trust in the Lord with all our heart.

During these difficult times, we've also experienced moments of doubt and despair. There were times when we felt overwhelmed, when we felt like giving up. But in those moments, we were reminded of the promise in Isaiah 43:2, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."

We've also witnessed the power of prayer. Prayer can move mountains, how it can bring about miracles, and how it can change the course of our lives. It can bring peace, hope, and joy amid sorrow.

Lastly, we've also learned about the importance of community. We need each other. We need the support, the encouragement, and the prayers of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We need to bear each other's burdens, to lift each other up, and to spur each other on towards love and good deeds.

Barriers Placed by Satan

As we continue our reflection, we find ourselves in the midst of barriers ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO