Shepastor: "Nevertheless..."

1Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. 2The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. 3Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. 5For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. 6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9: 1-7, KJV

This passage of scripture reminds us that despite vexation, dark paths, affliction and sorrow, "nevertheless," light, joy and peace will come. "Nevertheless" is said when an individual makes a mental decision to do something, think something or believe something that defies apparent realities or logic.

Peter declared, "nevertheless" when Jesus told him to let down his net and get ready for a major catch of fish, even though he'd been fishing all night long and came up empty (Luke 5:5). Jesus, the "wonderful counselor, mighty God, and Prince of Peace" calls us to declare, "nevertheless" in the midst of our trials, valleys, wilderness experiences and struggles.

During this Christmas Season, remember that Jesus, our "Emmanuel" is with us, empowering us to embrace His promises and decalre, "nevertheless, at thy Word Lord I will..." you complete the sentence.

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Until next Wednesday, In Faith, Hope and Perseverance, Pastor Chris