Out Our Way: Charlie's cellphone - Isaiah 41:13

Out our way, technology may come slow, but it does come. You learn to be patient and to never assume what now is be all that there ever will be.

Years ago, I served on a national church committee that took me all over the USA. I was in Atlanta and had gone into a Krispy Kreme, a national chain I had heard about but had never seen. As I was standing there a beautiful blonde came up beside me and started commenting on the display. I was both startled and flattered by her interest in me. Fortunately, before I could respond she said, "I have to hang up now, I have another call coming in." Turns out, she had a Bluetooth mobile device in her ear. I had never seen one before, but I caught on quickly, kept my mouth shut and walked out before I embarrassed myself with my ignorance.

A few years later, while working cows on the Tiger Ridge with my pard, Charlie, I mentioned to him how much I enjoyed being away from the study and the phone. Charlie just grinned at me ... and sure enough, shortly thereafter his brand new cellphone went off. This was in the early days of cellphones, cell towers were few and far between, reception was lousy ... but now, even on horseback in the boonies, we were connected to the rest of the world. 

Over the years these technological developments have continued and we have come to take them for granted. Who knows what will come next? Since Charlie pulled that cellphone out of his vest pocket out in the boondocks, I am not surprised at any new developments.

I imagine the prophet Isaiah felt the same way as the Lord revealed Himself to the prophet and to Israel. True prophets were no less rare in ancient times as they are today. But once God begins to open our eyes, ears and souls to His Presence, we cease to be surprised that God is really watching and working in our midst.

Isaiah lived in a very hard time for Israel. Enemies surrounded them, clamoring for her destruction, and enemies within - traitors to God and the nation who occupied positions of power and leadership in both the palace and the Temple. 

Yet Isaiah spoke words of hope and faith. Though Israel had failed God, God would not fail Israel. Though the darkness dominated for a time, it would not last. Like Charlie's cellphone, the reception was weak, but the message was clear. God is still in charge and the Light is not overcome, but is growing.

In these days of crises and chaos, we are reminded to hold on. God is not done and neither are we.  

Be blessed and be a blessing.

Brother John