Standing Strong – December 30, 2024

Read: Isaiah 50:4-9

Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! It is the Sovereign LORD who helps me. Who will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up.
Isaiah 50:7-9

Standing Strong

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Jaimee stood with shaking knees at the edge of the diving board for the first time. He felt the eyes of everyone watching, waiting to see if he would jump. His dad was below, arms stretched out, ready to catch him. “Don’t worry,” Jaimee’s dad coaxed, “I’m right here.” Just seeing his dad and hearing him say those words gave Jaimee courage. He jumped!

In today’s Bible verses, Isaiah speaks with the confidence of someone who knows God is standing there—just like that dad, ready to catch his child and make sure he’s okay. Isaiah was surrounded by people who doubted him and tried to bring him down. People constantly questioned the message he shared from God. But Isaiah “set his face like flint,” in other words, he stayed strong and determined. Why? Because he knew that God, the Sovereign LORD, would not let him be defeated.

But Isaiah wasn’t just talking about himself. He was pointing ahead to Jesus, who would set his own face like flint toward the cross. He knew he’d face terrible suffering and rejection but went forward with confidence, knowing that God would bring victory. Jesus went to the cross not just to show his strength, but to rescue us from sin and death. When He rose from the grave, he silenced every accuser with a great big, “Sshhh!” No one can accuse God’s people because nothing stands between us and God’s love!

You may run into people who accuse you of being wrong because you believe in Jesus. But, like Isaiah, we can set our face like flint, trusting that God has our back. He knows us, loves us, and promises to be right by our side through every tough moment.

So, when you feel insecure like Jaimee at the edge of a diving board, remember that God is there like a loving parent waiting in the pool. He is ready to catch you if you fall and to protect you when others try to shame, accuse, or condemn you.

Closing Prayer:

God, sometimes we don’t live like you are always with us to speak up for, defend, and protect us. Help us to remember that Jesus came to be with us. Give us the strength and determination of Jesus to face whatever life might throw at us! Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Describe how it feels to know that God is like a parent, ready to help you.
• Think of a time when you felt brave because mom or dad was with you.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What do you think it means to “set your face like flint”?
• Isaiah trusted that God would protect him from his enemies. Think of a challenge or fear you have that you would like to trust God with.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Isaiah says, “He who vindicates me is near.” How does knowing that God stands up for you give you confidence, even when others doubt or criticize you?
• When is it hardest for you to trust in God’s protection? How can Isaiah’s words give you strength?