As I listened to the LORD this week, He brought to mind a clear exhortation, meant to help you take possession of the new things God is giving you this season. This exhortation appears in the Bible in both negative and positive forms. It comes as a warning and as a promise. Isaiah prophesies the warning to King Ahaz in 734 BCE, saying, “If you do not stand firm in faith, you will not stand at all.” (Isaiah 7:9, NIV) 100 years later, Jahaziel and King Jehoshaphat echo Isaiah's prophecy as a promise, saying, “Have faith in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld; have faith in His prophets, and you will be successful.” (2 Chronicles 20:20, NIV) These exhortations, both containing the same play on words in Hebrew, are repeated in other biblical passages as well. To understand their significance, we need to examine the contexts in which they are given. A TALE OF TWO KINGS: King Ahaz In 734 BCE, Syria and the northern kingdom of Israel allied, threatening to capture the southern capital, Jerusalem. Isaiah 7:1 discloses in advance that this particular attempt will be unsuccessful. As the story unfolds, Isaiah is sent to prophesy to King Ahaz of Judah. He finds him inspecting Jerusalem’s water supply, anxious about the impending invasion, and not trusting in the Lord. Ahaz stands between the aqueduct and the road to the Fuller’s field. The water in the aqueduct is essential for wartime survival. The Fuller’s field is the place where linen is washed, bleached, dyed, and stretched out to dry. The significance of the location for Isaiah's prophecy is not to be missed! Both king and country are terrified of the enemy’s threat: “...the hearts of Ahaz and his people were shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind” (Isaiah 7:2). King Ahaz, whose name means “possessor,” stands symbolically between a source of living water and a field known for cleansing and refining. Isaiah urges Ahaz to listen and not to fear; to be settled and quiet in his spirit. He is meant to see his enemies as God sees them: nothing but smoldering, smoking stubs about to be extinguished. Although Isaiah encourages the king with positive words and significant signs, he also gives a clear warning. Ahaz has a choice to make. Will he believe God’s Word and be successful? Or will he fail to possess what God has promised him? His decision will not impact whether God saves Jerusalem. (He will!) His decision impacts whether God supports him. Isaiah tells Ahaz, “If you will not stand firm (Heb., ‘âman’) in faith, you will not stand (âman) at all.” Note that the same Hebrew word, Strong's H539 - ‘âman’ - is used twice. It means to believe, to trust, to be built up, to support, to confirm, or to endure.
Sadly, even after God gives Ahaz significant signs of success, including the famous “Immanuel prophecy” in Isaiah 7:14, the king chooses fear and idolatry over faith. He rejects the living water God offers to him prophetically. His ending is not good. JUDAH’S SECOND CHANCE: King Jehoshaphat Roughly 100 years later, another king of Judah, Jehoshaphat (lit., “Jehovah has judged”), is faced with a similar threat, this time from the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites. In prayer, he asks God, “Will you not judge them?” Prophet Jahaziel is sent to assure Judah that victory is predetermined: “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’ ” (2 Chronicles 20:17 NIV) Once again, Isaiah’s play on words is repeated, this time with a positive twist, as King Jehoshaphat responds, saying, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith (‘âman’) in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld (‘âman’); have faith (‘âman’) in His prophets, and you will be successful.” (2 Chronicles 20:20, NIV) Or, rendered in Hebrew, “Put your trust (Heb.: ‘âman’) in the Lord your God, and you will be established (‘âman’). Put your trust (‘âman’) in His prophets and succeed.” This time, Judah does trust, and their victory is firmly established! SIGNIFICANCE FOR TODAY Many people are being asked to choose between fear and faith right now. The enemy has worked on a large scale to cloud vision. Yet I also believe one of the gifts God is releasing this year is "crystal clear clarity.” That which has been obscured is now coming clear. There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed! Destinies, intel, resources, and relationships the enemy has tried to hide or steal are being brought into plain sight. As with Judah, believers' victories are already assured. God is moving in ways you may not see now, but will appreciate later. I hear the Lord saying that the process you have been enduring has a good end! While it seems to delay you, it really serves to mature you. Do not fear anything the enemy tells you; he is a liar and a deceiver. Natural images are poor depictions of what's true in the Spirit. What you see is not what you're getting! Your continued trust in the timing of God's process is a precious commodity as He works behind the scenes on your behalf, setting the stage for what's next. The storyline - the process - is important so that you can appreciate the ending all the more! A REFINER AND REWARDER In one of the last Old Testament prophecies, Malachi points to the sudden return of Christ as initiating a time of intense refining, especially for those in ministry: "...who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness.” (Malachi 3:2-3 NASBS) If you feel you are being tried like silver, know that this purifying is meant not to shake you, but to make you a possessor of all that God has promised for this season. Apart from the mercy of God, no one can stand! Yet because of mercy, you rule to the degree that you allow the divine “Fuller” to refine you. You stand to the degree that you remain committed to taking a stand for what Christ has asked you to do, no matter how unusual it looks to others. The way of discipleship is not always easy, but it is always blessed. Your Refiner is also your Rewarder. Ahaz did not heed Isaiah's warning. He lost his legacy when he wavered before the opposition. Jehoshaphat won a victory through faith in God’s Word and by warring with his prophecies (1 Timothy 1:18). The Holy Spirit's exhortation still stands today. Your present battle is God’s preordained victory! Yet your response determines your reward. As the enemy seeks to hinder your advances, you can choose unwavering faith, which becomes your shield. Stand firm, worship, and declare your trust (‘âman’) in God during your process. Let Him release the fresh wisdom and clarity you need right now to reach your breakthroughs. May God strengthen your hearts this week to believe against all unbelief, and to possess ALL He desires to give you! Deborah PRAY WITH ME: Dear Lord, I desire for You to abide constantly in my heart through faith! I quiet myself now to listen and take heed to this exhortation. May I never waver in doubt, but always be filled to the measure of the fullness of God, possessing all that You have prepared for me! You do far more abundantly than all I can ask or think, according to the power of Your Spirit working within me through faith. Thank you for your righteous judgments against the enemy. I am assured of victory! No matter what things look like, I choose to trust You today. I believe Your Word and Your prophecies are my final authority. I know that You will complete Your good work in me, refining and rewarding me in the process. I do not consider any circumstances, nor do I fear any threats the enemy is sending against me. Let my unwavering trust bring You glory, Jesus. May my life leave a legacy of faith that stands firm, forever and ever. Amen. 
Deborah Perkins is an Author, Speaker, and Prophetic Leader whose words impact people worldwide through her books, website, and various online publications. She loves equipping the Body of Christ to mature in their gifts and spiritual life. She and her husband, Kevan, live in New England and have raised three sons, a cat, and a coopful of chickens. For speaking engagements, contact Deborah here. |
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March 2026
AuthorA severe hearing loss from childhood caused Deborah Perkins to develop what she now calls her secret weapon: tuning in to God's voice. A Wellesley College graduate and an award-winning writer, Deborah is now a wife and mother of 3 boys. Deborah has devoted over 25 years to professional and lay Christian ministry in New England and beyond. Her passion is inspiring people to cultivate greater intimacy with God. 
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