We’re so easily distracted by the ‘goings-on’ in our lives that we can miss what God is doing.  Details blind us, emotions overwhelm us, and fear distracts us.  When we don’t see any results from our labors; when the dollars and the days don’t line up; when disappointments come in numbers and our frustrations are exposed under the pressure of the issues, God will remind us that there is hope.  He can provide what we need to live well in the midst of our circumstances.  In fact, He’s willing to go against the laws of nature to respond to our circumstances because we are His dear children.

The verse in Isaiah illustrates the miracle of God’s work.  God Himself planted seven large, dense, sturdy trees in soil that wouldn’t naturally support the growth that each would need.  The desert climate and dry land were not suitable for these particular trees.  But the climate and soil don’t matter if the Source is the Lord.  If He planted it, He can sustain it. 

When God makes a decision about an issue, the circumstances inherent to the issue just don’t matter.  We can be penny poor and still be a blessing to someone in their time of need; just as you can have a hefty bank account and have nothing of value to offer.  God provides what’s needed.  Conditions don’t limit His ability to act.  He supplies the ingredients that makes the soil usable and able to sustain and support growth.  He lacks nothing.      

God planted trees that would provide shade in the midst of the desert.  So while our circumstances may be prolonged, and nothing seems to make sense anymore, He gives rest and refreshment to encourage us and support our ability to stay the course.   And, He gives us the gift of memory.  We have the capacity to think about challenges we’ve faced in the past and the ways in which our God protected us and intervened on our behalf.

God will use our limitations to demonstrate His strength.  That’s why Paul tells us, “for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10b).  We can look at our difficulties and say, “it doesn’t matter” because we know that God is awake to our situation and providing what we need, when we need it, despite the way we may feel.